Ulcerative Colitis
This part of the gastrointestinal tract is primarily affected.
What is the sigmoid colon (large intestine)?
A nutritional supplement often recommended for patients with Crohn's disease to address potential malabsorption issues.
What are multivitamin supplements?
An intervention to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
What are IV fluids with electrolyte replacement as needed?
This procedure is used to remove excess accumulated fluid from the peritoneal cavity.
What is paracentesis?
A key nursing intervention post-colectomy to promote bowel function.
What is encouraging early ambulation?
A common symptom, often with blood, seen in ulcerative colitis.
What is diarrhea (or bloody diarrhea)?
This characteristic of Crohn's lesions in the bowel distinguishes it from ulcerative colitis.
What are skip lesions (or transmural involvement)?
A common early symptom, often described as crampy and intermittent.
What is abdominal pain?
This integumentary finding is due to increased bilirubin levels.
What is jaundice?
This screening procedure is recommended for early detection.
What is a colonoscopy?
This medication class is often used to reduce inflammation during a flare-up.
What are corticosteroids?
This nutritional intervention may be necessary during severe exacerbations.
What is enteral or parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
This specific intervention is often used for decompression in a small bowel obstruction.
What is a nasogastric (NG) tube?
A key nursing intervention (non-pharm) for managing ascites.
What is a sodium restriction and a fluid restriction?
Essential nursing education for a patient with a new colostomy regarding stoma care.
What is teaching about proper pouch application, skin care around the stoma, and signs of complications?
Nursing interventions to promote perianal skin integrity in a patient with frequent bloody diarrhea due to UC.
What is providing meticulous perianal care, using gentle wipes, and applying barrier creams?
A potential side effect of long-term corticosteroid use in Crohn's disease that can impact bone health.
What is osteoporosis?
This serious complication can occur if blood supply to the bowel is compromised.
What is bowel strangulation?
This life-threatening complication involves altered mental status due to increased ammonia levels.
What is hepatic encephalopathy?
A common side effect of chemotherapy for colon cancer that the nurse should monitor for.
What is nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or neutropenia?
A surgical intervention that can be curative for ulcerative colitis.
What is a colectomy (with or without ileostomy/ileoanal anastomosis)?
A crucial nursing assessment to monitor for in Crohn's disease that could indicate fistula or abscess formation.
What is assessing for abdominal tenderness, masses, fever, or drainage?
A nursing intervention to promote comfort and reduce anxiety in a patient with a bowel obstruction awaiting resolution or surgery.
What is administering prescribed analgesics and providing emotional support?
A medication used to reduce ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
What is lactulose?
This tumor marker/protein may be elevated in colon cancer.
What is carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)?