A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client experiencing an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following treatments should the nurse expect to administer?
Docusate
A corticosteroid medication
Aspirin
A bowel cathartic medication
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Docusate. This is not a treatment that the nurse should expect to administer to a client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Docusate is a stool softener that can prevent constipation and straining, but it is not indicated for ulcerative colitis.
Choice B: A corticosteroid medication. This is a treatment that the nurse should expect to administer to a client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum. A corticosteroid medication, such as prednisone, can reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, and relieve symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding, and pain.
Choice C: Aspirin. This is not a treatment that the nurse should expect to administer to a client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can relieve pain and inflammation, but it can also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and worsen ulcerative colitis.
Choice D: A bowel cathartic medication. This is not a treatment that the nurse should expect to administer to a client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. A bowel cathartic medication, such as bisacodyl, can stimulate bowel movements and cleanse the colon, but it can also cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and aggravate ulcerative colitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Obtain the client’s vital signs. This is an important nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs for signs of infection, fluid imbalance, or shock, but these are not as urgent as relieving the client’s pain.
Choice B: Weigh the client. This is a necessary nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should weigh the client daily to assess their fluid status and nutritional needs, but this can be done after addressing the client’s pain.
Choice C: Administer pain medication. This is the priority nursing action because the nurse should follow the principle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and address the client’s physiological needs first. Pain can interfere with the client’s healing process and affect their quality of life.
Choice D: Change the client’s dressing. This is a required nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should change the client’s dressing to prevent infection and promote wound healing, but this can be done after administering pain medication to make the procedure more comfortable for the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Increase the client’s sodium intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate ascites. The nurse should recommend limiting the client’s sodium intake to less than 2 g per day.
Choice B: Decrease the client’s fluid intake. This is an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. Ascites is a complication of cirrhosis that involves the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Decreasing the client’s fluid intake can help reduce fluid retention and prevent further distension of the abdomen and pressure on the diaphragm.
Choice C: Increase the client’s saturated fat intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s saturated fat intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and faty liver disease. The nurse should recommend a balanced diet that provides adequate protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
Choice D: Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Decreasing the client’s carbohydrate intake can cause ketosis, which is a metabolic state that occurs when the body uses fat as a fuel source instead of glucose.
Ketosis can cause nausea, fatigue, headache, and bad breath. The nurse should recommend a moderate carbohydrate intake that provides enough glucose for energy and prevents ketosis.

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