Pathophysiology
What are the most common sites affected by Crohn's disease?
Ascending and transverse colon
This is one of the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease and can lead dehydrated if not treated
Diarrhea
This blood test is commonly elevated in Crohn’s due to inflammation and is often used to monitor disease activity
C-reactive protein
This syndrome is often seen in those taking steroids for a prolonged period of time.
Cushing's syndrome
"_______" lesions are commonly seen in imaging to help diagnose these types of patients
Cobblestone
Since Crohn's disease affects nutrient absorption, patients often present with these two physical symptoms
Weight loss and fatigue
This procedure is the gold standard for diagnosing Crohn’s because it allows direct visualization of skip lesions and cobblestoning
Colonoscopy
When inflammation burrows through the intestinal wall and forms an abnormal connection between organs or tissues, this complication occurs.
Fistula
This type of anemia is often seen in patients with diseases affecting their GI tract.
Pernicious (B12) anemia
A Crohn’s patient with diarrhea, mouth ulcers, brittle nails, and tingling in the hands may be showing signs of this deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
This stool test helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from conditions like IBS by detecting intestinal inflammation
fecal calprotectin
Because Crohn's requires numerous medications in its treatment, it is important for the nurse to monitor which organ function?
Liver (LFTs)
Crohn’s inflammation can penetrate the bowel wall and create these abnormal connections between organs or tissues
Fistulas
Chronic diarrhea in Crohn’s can lead to this electrolyte imbalance that causes muscle cramps and weakness
Hypokalemia
This imaging study is often used at initial diagnosis to evaluate the small intestine and detect fistulas, abscesses, or strictures
CT enterography
Scar tissue, strictures, or severe inflammation may block the flow of intestinal contents, leading to this complication characterized by cramping, vomiting, and distention
Bowel obstruction
This hallmark microscopic finding consists of organized clusters of immune cells, often non-caseating, seen in Crohn’s disease
Granulomas
A Crohn’s patient complains of increased gas, bloating, and foul-smelling stool. These symptoms most likely indicate inflammation in this region of the GI tract
Small intestine
During the initial diagnostic workup for Crohn’s, this stool test is ordered to rule out the most common infectious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which can mimic an IBD flare
C.difficile toxin test
Because Crohn’s inflammation is transmural, it increases the risk of this life-threatening complication where intestinal contents leak into the abdomen
Perforation