Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
This electrolyte is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and plays a key role in nerve impulse transmission and fluid balance.
What is sodium?
Crohn’s disease primarily affects this part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing inflammation and ulcerations.
What is the ileum and colon? But it can affect the entire GI tract.
This hallmark symptom of ulcerative colitis differentiates it from Crohn’s disease.
What is bloody diarrhea?
Peritonitis is most commonly caused by the rupture of this organ.
What is the appendix?
This common cause of peptic ulcers is also a major risk factor for gastric cancer.
What is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)?
A patient presents with muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflexes, and an irregular heart rate. Lab results show a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What condition does this indicate?
What is hypokalemia?
A patient with Crohn’s disease experiences weight loss, abdominal pain, and steatorrhea. What is the underlying cause of these symptoms?
What is malabsorption due to intestinal inflammation?
A patient with ulcerative colitis experiences tenesmus, abdominal cramping, and 8+ bloody stools per day. What complication should the nurse monitor for?
What is anemia and dehydration?
A patient with peritonitis presents with rigid abdomen, fever, and tachycardia. What is the priority nursing action?
What is initiating IV fluids and antibiotics as ordered and monitoring for signs/symptoms of sepsis?
A patient with chronic alcohol use develops painful oral ulcers and inflammation. What is the likely diagnosis?
What is stomatitis?
A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving IV magnesium for hypomagnesemia. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
What is respiratory depression?
A patient with Crohn’s disease is prescribed corticosteroids. What is a major long-term risk of this therapy?
What is increased risk of infections?
The nurse is providing education about PPIs to an older adult. What supplements might this individual need for long-term use of PPIs?
What are Calcium, Vitamin D, and B12?
A nurse is assessing a patient with gastroenteritis. What finding would indicate dehydration?
What is decreased urine output and dry mucous membranes?
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected colon cancer. Which symptoms are an early warning sign?
What are a change in bowel habits (shape, constipation or diarrhea) and anemia?
A patient with hypernatremia reports extreme thirst and confusion. What is the priority nursing intervention?
What is administering IV fluids and encouraging oral hydration?
The nurse is teaching a patient with Crohn’s disease about dietary management. Which food should the patient avoid?
What is high-fiber and dairy products?
A patient with ulcerative colitis is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Why is this intervention used?
What is to allow bowel rest and provide adequate nutrition?
The nurse is educating a patient with viral gastroenteritis. What is the best dietary recommendation?
What is the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and clear fluids?
A patient undergoing chemotherapy for gastric cancer develops nausea and vomiting. What nursing intervention can help manage these symptoms?
**Daily Double**
What is administering antiemetics before meals and encouraging small, frequent meals?
A nurse is educating a patient with chronic kidney disease about foods high in potassium. Which food should the patient avoid?
What are bananas, oranges, potatoes, and salt substitutes?
A patient with Crohn’s disease develops a fistula between the bowel and bladder. What symptom should the nurse assess for?
What is recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), foul-smelling urine, and fever?
A patient with severe ulcerative colitis is scheduled for a total colectomy with ileostomy. What is a key post-operative consideration?
What is pain management and ostomy care?
A patient with suspected peritonitis is scheduled for diagnostic testing. What imaging study is most commonly used?
What is an abdominal CT scan?
A patient with stage IV colon cancer is receiving palliative care. What is the primary goal of this type of care?
**Daily Double**
What is comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatment?