After assessing a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC), the nurse concludes that the patient has moderate disease. Which patient symptoms support the nurse's conclusion? (Select all that apply.)
Anorexia
Rectal bleeding
Left lower quadrant pain
Right lower quadrant pain
Steatorrhea
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is common in UC due to abdominal pain and discomfort, as well as the psychological impact of chronic illness.
Choice B rationale
Rectal bleeding is a hallmark symptom of UC, indicating moderate to severe inflammation of the colon, which can lead to ulcers and bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Left lower quadrant pain is typical in UC because the disease often affects the descending colon, which is located in this area.
Choice D rationale
Right lower quadrant pain is more characteristic of conditions like appendicitis. UC typically does not cause pain in this area unless it is extensive and involves the right colon.
Choice E rationale
Steatorrhea, or fatty stools, can occur in UC if the disease affects the ileum, leading to malabsorption of fats.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chocolate is known to have moderate levels of potassium and should be limited in a diet for chronic kidney disease to prevent hyperkalemia¹.
Choice B rationale
Green beans are considered a lower potassium vegetable and can be included in a kidney-friendly diet in appropriate portions².
Choice C rationale
Tomatoes are high in potassium and should be avoided by individuals with chronic kidney disease to maintain safe potassium levels¹.
Choice D rationale
Bananas are very high in potassium and are one of the most well-known foods that individuals with chronic kidney disease are advised to avoid¹.
Choice E rationale
Asparagus is lower in potassium compared to other vegetables and can be consumed in moderation by people with chronic kidney disease².
Choice F rationale
Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride and should be avoided as they can significantly increase potassium intake, which is harmful for those with chronic kidney disease¹.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring calcium levels is important after administering calcium gluconate IV, but it is not the primary indicator of the medication's effectiveness in treating hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate is used in hyperkalemia to stabilize the heart muscle, not to correct calcium levels.
Choice B rationale
Neurologic status may be affected by hyperkalemia, but changes in neurologic status are not the most direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness. The medication's primary role is to address cardiac risks associated with high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac rhythm is the most critical aspect to monitor after administering calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, and calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membrane, thus the effectiveness of the treatment is directly reflected in the stabilization of the cardiac rhythm.
Choice D rationale
While urine volume can indicate kidney function and might indirectly reflect changes in potassium levels, it is not the direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness in the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia.
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