A nurse is transferring a client to another unit. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the transfer report?

Choice A Reason:

A client who has ulcerative colitis is correct. Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), involves chronic inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum. This condition often results in bleeding from the inflamed mucosa, leading to the presence of blood in the stool that can be detected by a fecal occult blood test.

Choice B Reason:

A client who has stomatitis is incorrect. Stomatitis refers to inflammation in the mouth and does not typically cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which is what the fecal occult blood test detects. Stomatitis involves oral lesions or sores but does not directly impact stool blood content.

Choice C Reason:

A client who uses laxatives is incorrect. Laxative use does not necessarily cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. While some laxatives can potentially irritate the intestinal lining, leading to minor bleeding in some cases, the presence of blood in the stool due to laxative use is less common compared to conditions like ulcerative colitis, where chronic inflammation and ulceration lead to significant bleeding.

Choice D Reason:

A client who has cholecystitis is incorrect. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder and does not directly involve bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. It typically presents with symptoms related to gallbladder inflammation such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, rather than causing bleeding that would be detected by a fecal occult blood test.

Choice A Reason:

"Encourage your partner to eat three large meals each day." Is incorrect. At the end of life, a patient's appetite might decrease, and they may not tolerate large meals. Encouraging large meals can cause discomfort or be inappropriate for their condition.

Choice B Reason:

"We will use an electric blanket to keep your partner warm." Is incorrect. While maintaining comfort is important, the use of an electric blanket might not be suitable as the patient's circulation and ability to regulate body temperature might be compromised.

Choice C Reason:

"Opioids will be restricted if your partner develops respiratory distress." Is incorrect.

Opioids can be appropriate for managing symptoms like pain or dyspnea at the end of life. Restricting opioids solely due to the risk of respiratory distress might hinder adequate symptom management. The use of opioids should be based on individual patient needs and careful assessment by healthcare providers.

Choice D Reason:

"Assume your partner can hear you, even if they do not respond." Is correct. This statement encourages communication and acknowledges the possibility that the patient might still be able to perceive their surroundings, even if they are not responsive. It supports the importance of providing emotional support and communication during the end-of-life process.