Which interventions would the nurse expect in the treatment plan for a patient who is admitted to the hospital with ascites? (Select all that apply.)

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.

Choice A rationale
Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Cirrhosis leads to scarring of the liver, which impedes blood flow through the portal vein, causing increased pressure (portal hypertension) and the development of collateral blood vessels (varices) as the body attempts to bypass the blockage.

Choice B rationale
Throat lacerations are not related to the development of esophageal varices or portal hypertension. They are typically acute injuries and do not cause the chronic changes seen in the vasculature associated with these conditions.

Choice C rationale
Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine, does not cause esophageal varices or portal hypertension. It is a structural skeletal condition and does not affect the vasculature of the esophagus or the portal venous system.

Choice D rationale
While squamous cell cancer can occur in the esophagus, it is not a typical cause of portal hypertension or esophageal varices. These varices are usually a result of increased pressure in the portal vein, not directly from a malignancy.