The nurse educator asks the student nurse to explain the most common causes of blindness in the United States. Which of the following options will the student nurse select as one of the top causes of blindness?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The inflammation can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, weight loss, or fever. The nurse should educate the client on how to manage inflammation and prevent complications.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease do not affect the entire alimentary canal, but different parts of it. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum, while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, most commonly the ileum (the last part of the small intestine). The nurse should explain the differences in location and extent of
the diseases.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease do not always require a bowel diversion, but only in some cases. A bowel diversion is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen to divert fecal matter into an external bag or pouch. It may be done to treat severe complications such as perforation, obstruction, fistula, or cancer. The nurse should inform the client about the indications, types, and care of bowel diversions.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are not caused by low-fat, high-fiber diets, but by unknown factors. The exact causes of IBD are not clear, but they may involve genetic, immune, environmental, or microbial factors. Low-fat, high-fiber diets may help prevent or reduce symptoms of IBD, but they do not cause them. The nurse should advise the client on how to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that suits their individual needs and preferences.

Choice A Reason: Reporting itching if it becomes bothersome is part of client teaching, as it may indicate inflammation or infection of the ear canal. External otitis is also known as swimmer's ear, as it can be caused by water trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing.

Choice B Reason: Using earplugs when swimming is part of client teaching, as it can prevent water from entering and irritating the ear canal. External otitis can be prevented by keeping the ear dry and avoiding trauma or foreign objects.

Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. Inserting a cotton-tip applicator to remove excess wax is not part of client teaching, as it can damage or scratch the ear canal and increase the risk of infection. Wax helps protect and lubricate the ear canal and should not be removed unless it causes hearing impairment or discomfort.

Choice D Reason: Using a hairdryer set to low, 6 inches away from ear is part of client teaching, as it can help dry the ear canal after swimming or bathing. External otitis can be treated by applying warm compresses, using topical antibiotics or antifungals, and taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.