Share This Link

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can manifest at various ages, including during adolescence and early adulthood.

Abdominal pain and cramping are common symptoms of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Weight loss can occur in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease due to factors such as decreased appetite, malabsorption, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

A temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C) is slightly elevated and may indicate the presence of infection, which is concerning in the context of diverticulitis. Fever is a common symptom of diverticulitis, but an elevated temperature may also suggest worsening infection or the development of complications such as abscess formation or perforation.

Left lower quadrant discomfort is a common symptom of diverticulitis due to inflammation in the sigmoid colon, where diverticula are most prevalent. While discomfort is expected in diverticulitis, the severity and persistence of pain should be assessed.

An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is indicative of inflammation or infection and is commonly seen in diverticulitis. However, the significance of the elevation depends on the degree of increase and the presence of other clinical findings.

Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed and for the full duration of the treatment course. Incomplete or inconsistent use of antibiotics can lead to incomplete eradication of the infection, development of antibiotic resistance, and recurrence of the infection.

While cranberry juice is often recommended for urinary tract health due to its ability to prevent bacterial adherence to the bladder wall, it is not a substitute for antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections.

Typically, urine cultures are reserved for cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, or the infection is recurrent or complicated. In uncomplicated UTIs, empirical antibiotic treatment based on symptoms and clinical presentation is usually sufficient.

Stress can exacerbate symptoms of ulcerative colitis and may contribute to flare-ups. Therefore, understanding how the client manages stress is important. However, given that the client has lived with ulcerative colitis for close to 15 years and has learned to manage it well, this question may be less of a primary focus compared to other aspects of disease management.

Regular monitoring through colonoscopy is essential for detecting any changes or complications associated with ulcerative colitis, such as inflammation, dysplasia, or colon cancer.

While rest and adequate sleep are important for overall health and well-being, they may not be as directly related to ulcerative colitis management as medication adherence, monitoring, and stress management.

Intense thirst, parched tongue, and dry mucous membranes suggest dehydration, which can occur as a result of vomiting, decreased fluid intake, or fluid loss due to the obstruction. However, dehydration may occur earlier in the course of a bowel obstruction and may not be considered a late finding.

Vomiting in large bowel obstruction is commonly of fecal contents.

High-pitched, frequent bowel sounds is not a typical late clinical finding of a large bowel obstruction. Instead, bowel sounds are usually diminished or absent in cases of bowel obstruction due to decreased peristalsis beyond the site of obstruction.

While contacting the physician and obtaining an arterial blood gas may be necessary to assess respiratory status and oxygenation, it is not the immediate priority. The client's symptoms require immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent further deterioration.

Chest pain and shortness of breath are not typically expected findings after bariatric surgery and could indicate serious complications. It is essential not to dismiss the client's symptoms but to take them seriously and initiate appropriate interventions.

While the use of an incentive spirometer is important for preventing respiratory complications after surgery, it is not the priority intervention in this situation. The client's current symptoms require immediate attention to address potential respiratory distress or other serious complications.

Glucagon is typically administered to treat severe hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.

Short-acting or regular insulin is administered initially to lower blood glucose levels rapidly. Long-acting insulin formulations may be used later to maintain glycemic control once the acute phase is managed.

Oxygen therapy may be indicated if the client is hypoxic, but it is not the initial therapy for HHNK. The priority in HHNK is to correct dehydration and hyperglycemia through fluid resuscitation and insulin therapy, respectively.

TPN is indicated for clients who are unable to tolerate enteral nutrition (feeding through the gastrointestinal tract) or have impaired absorption, digestion, or utilization of nutrients despite having active GI function.

TPN may be used temporarily after a surgical procedure if the client is unable to tolerate oral or enteral feeding or if enteral nutrition is contraindicated due to the surgical site or condition. However, TPN is not limited to short-term use after surgery and may be required for an extended period in clients with chronic conditions or prolonged inability to tolerate enteral nutrition.

TPN may be used in some cases after a laparotomy for a bowel obstruction, particularly if enteral nutrition is contraindicated or if the client is unable to tolerate oral intake. However, TPN is not primarily used to prevent complications after surgery but rather to provide nutritional support when enteral feeding is not feasible or sufficient.