Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Practice Questions (Test #2, Fall 2020)

A client who has had ulcerative colitis for the past 5 years is admitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of the disease. Which of the following factors is most likely of greatest significance in causing an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis? 1.A demanding and stressful job. 2.Changing to a modified vegetarian diet. 3.Beginning a weight-training program. 4.Walking 2 miles (3.2 km) every day.

1 Stressful and emotional events have been clearly linked to exacerbations of ulcerative colitis, although their role in the etiology of the disease has been disproved. A modified vegetarian diet or an exercise program is an unlikely cause of the exacerbation.

A client with ulcerative colitis is to take sulfasalazine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide for the client about taking this medication at home? Select all that apply. 1.Drink enough fluids to maintain a urine output of at least 1,200 to 1,500 mL/day. 2.Discontinue therapy if symptoms of acute intolerance develop and notify the health care provider. 3.Stop taking the medication if the urine turns orange-yellow. 4.Avoid activities that require alertness. 5.If dose is missed, skip and continue with the next dose

1,2,4 Sulfasalazine may cause dizziness, and the nurse should caution the client to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until response to medication is known. If symptoms of acute intolerance (cramping, acute abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, rash) occur, the client should discontinue therapy and notify the health care provider immediately. Fluid intake should be sufficient to maintain a urine output of at least 1,200 to 1,500 mL daily to prevent crystalluria and stone formation. The nurse can also inform the client that this medication may cause orange-yellow discoloration of urine and skin, which is not significant and does not require the client to stop taking the medication. The nurse should instruct the client to take missed doses as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose

The client diagnosed with IBD is prescribed sulfasalazine (Asulfidine), a sulfonamide antibiotic. Which statement best describes the rationale for administering this medication? 1. It is administered rectally to help decrease colon inflammation. 2. This medication slows gastrointestinal (GI) motility and reduces diarrhea. 3. This medication kills the bacteria causing the exacerbation. 4. It acts topically on the colon mucosa to decrease inflammation.

1. Asulfidine cannot be administered rectally. Corticosteroids may be administered by enema for the local effect of decreasing inflammation while minimizing the systemic effects. 2. Antidiarrheal agents slow the gastrointestinal motility and reduce diarrhea. 3. IBD is not caused by bacteria. 4. Asulfidine is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and acts topically on the colonic mucosa to inhibit the inflammatory process. TEST-TAKING HINT: If the test taker doesn't know the answer, then the test taker could eliminate options "2" and "3" because they do not contain the word "inflammation"; IBD is inflammatory bowel disease

The client is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, also known as regional enteritis. Which statement by the client supports this diagnosis? 1. "My pain goes away when I have a bowel movement." 2. "I have bright red blood in my stool all the time." 3. "I have episodes of diarrhea and constipation." 4. "My abdomen is hard and rigid and I have a fever."

1. The terminal ileum is the most common site for regional enteritis, which causes right lower quadrant pain that is relieved by defecation. 2. Stools are liquid or semiformed and usually do not contain blood. 3. Episodes of diarrhea and constipation may be a sign/symptom of colon cancer, not Crohn's disease. 4. A fever and hard, rigid abdomen are signs/ symptoms of peritonitis, a complication of Crohn's disease. TEST-TAKING HINT: The test taker should eliminate option "2" because of the word "all," which is an absolute. There are very few absolutes in the health-care arena.

Which of the following should be a priority focus of care for a client experiencing an exacerbation of Crohn's disease? 1.Encouraging regular ambulation. 2.Promoting bowel rest. 3.Maintaining current weight. 4.Decreasing episodes of rectal bleeding.

2 A priority goal of care during an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease is to promote bowel rest. This is accomplished through decreasing activity, encouraging rest, and initially placing client on nothing-by-mouth status while maintaining nutritional needs parenterally. Regular ambulation is important, but the priority is bowel rest. The client will probably lose some weight during the acute phase of the illness. Diarrhea is nonbloody in Crohn's disease, and episodes of rectal bleeding are not expected.

A client with Crohn's disease has concentrated urine; decreased urinary output; dry skin with decreased turgor; hypotension; and weak, thready pulses. The nurse should do which of the following first? 1.Encourage the client to drink at least 1,000 mL/day. 2.Provide parenteral rehydration therapy prescribed by the physician. 3.Turn and reposition every 2 hours. 4.Monitor vital signs every shift.

2 Initially, the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume with isotonic IV fluids until adequate circulating blood volume and renal perfusion are achieved. Vital signs should be monitored as parenteral and oral rehydration are achieved. Oral fluid intake should be greater than 1,000 mL/day. Turning and repositioning the client at regular intervals aids in the prevention of skin breakdown, but it is first necessary to rehydrate this client.

A client newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis who has been placed on steroids asks the nurse why steroids are prescribed. The nurse should tell the client: 1."Ulcerative colitis can be cured by the use of steroids." 2."Steroids are used in severe flare-ups because they can decrease the incidence of bleeding." 3."Long-term use of steroids will prolong periods of remission." 4."The side effects of steroids outweigh their benefits to clients with ulcerative colitis.

2 Steroids are effective in management of the acute symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Steroids do not cure ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic disease. Long-term use is not effective in prolonging the remission and is not advocated. Clients should be assessed carefully for side effects related to steroid therapy, but the benefits of short-term steroid therapy usually outweigh the potential adverse effects.

When planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis who is experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms, which client care activities can the nurse appropriately delegate to an unlicensed assistant? Select all that apply. 1.Assessing the client's bowel sounds. 2.Providing skin care following bowel movements. 3.Evaluating the client's response to antidiarrheal medications. 4.Maintaining intake and output records. 5.Obtaining the client's weight.

2,4,5 The nurse can delegate the following basic care activities to the unlicensed assistant: providing skin care following bowel movements, maintaining intake and output records, and obtaining the client's weight. Assessing the client's bowel sounds and evaluating the client's response to medication are registered nurse activities that cannot be delegated.

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with Crohn's disease who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include? Select all that apply. 1.Monitoring vital signs once a shift. 2.Weighing the client daily. 3.Changing the central venous line dressing daily. 4.Monitoring the IV infusion rate hourly. 5.Taping all IV tubing connections securely.

2,4,5 When caring for a client who is receiving TPN, the nurse should plan to weigh the client daily, monitor the IV fluid infusion rate hourly (even when using an IV fluid pump), and securely tape all IV tubing connections to prevent disconnections. Vital signs should be monitored at least every 4 hours to facilitate early detection of complications. It is recommended that the IV dressing be changed once or twice per week or when it becomes soiled, loose, or wet

The physician prescribes sulfasalazine for the client with ulcerative colitis. Which instruction should the nurse give the client about taking this medication? 1.Avoid taking it with food. 2.Take the total dose at bedtime. 3.Take it with a full glass (240 mL) of water. 4.Stop taking it if urine turns orange-yellow.

3 Adequate fluid intake of at least eight glasses a day prevents crystalluria and stone formation during sulfasalazine therapy. Sulfasalazine can cause gastrointestinal distress and is best taken after meals and in equally divided doses. Sulfasalazine gives alkaline urine an orange-yellow color, but it is not necessary to stop the drug when this occurs.

A client has had an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis with cramping and diarrhea persisting longer than 1 week. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following complications? 1.Heart failure. 2.Deep vein thrombosis. 3.Hypokalemia. 4.Hypocalcemia.

3 Excessive diarrhea causes significant depletion of the body's stores of sodium and potassium as well as fluid. The client should be closely monitored for hypokalemia and hyponatremia. Ulcerative colitis does not place the client at risk for heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, or hypocalcemia.

A client who has ulcerative colitis has persistent diarrhea, and has lost 12 lb (5.4 kg) since the exacerbation of the disease. Which of the following will be most effective in helping the client meet nutritional needs? 1.Continuous enteral feedings. 2.Following a high-calorie, high-protein diet. 3.Total parenteral nutrition (TPN). 4.Eating six small meals a day.

3 Food will be withheld from the client with severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis to rest the bowel. To maintain the client's nutritional status, the client will be started on TPN. Enteral feedings or dividing the diet into six small meals does not allow the bowel to rest. A high-calorie, high-protein diet will worsen the client's symptoms.

A client who has a history of Crohn's disease is admitted to the hospital with fever, diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The nurse should monitor the client for: 1.Hyperalbuminemia. 2.Thrombocytopenia. 3.Hypokalemia. 4.Hypercalcemia.

3 Hypokalemia is the most expected laboratory finding owing to the diarrhea. Hypoalbuminemia can also occur in Crohn's disease; however, the client's potassium level is of greater importance at this time because a low potassium level can cause cardiac arrest. Anemia is an expected development, but thrombocytopenia is not. Calcium levels are not affected.

A client who has ulcerative colitis says to the nurse, "I can't take this anymore; I'm constantly in pain, and I can't leave my room because I need to stay by the toilet. I don't know how to deal with this." Based on these comments, the nurse should determine the client is experiencing: 1.Extreme fatigue. 2.Disturbed thought. 3.A sense of isolation. 4.Difficulty coping.

4 It is not uncommon for clients with ulcerative colitis to become apprehensive and have difficulty coping with the frequency of stools and the presence of abdominal cramping. During these acute exacerbations, clients need emotional support and encouragement to verbalize their feelings about their chronic health concerns and assistance in developing effective coping methods. The client has not expressed feelings of fatigue or isolation or demonstrated disturbed thought processes.

The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis has an ileostomy. Which statement indicates the client needs more teaching concerning the ileostomy? 1. "My stoma should be pink and moist." 2. "I will irrigate my ileostomy every morning." 3. "If I get a red, bumpy, itchy rash I will call my HCP." 4. "I will change my pouch if it starts leaking."

1. A pink and moist stoma indicates viable tissue and adequate circulation. A purple stoma indicates necrosis. 2. An ileostomy will drain liquid all the time and should not routinely be irrigated. A sigmoid colostomy may need daily irrigation to evacuate feces. 3. A red, bumpy, itchy rash indicates infection with the yeast Candida albicans, which should be treated with medication. 4. The ileostomy drainage has enzymes and bile salts, which are irritating and harsh to the skin; therefore, the pouch should be changed if any leakage occurs. TEST-TAKING HINT: This is an "except" question, and the test taker must identify which option is not a correct action for the nurse to implement. Sometimes flipping the question—"Which interventions indicate the client understands the teaching?"—can assist in identifying the correct answer.

The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is prescribed a low-residue diet. Which meal selection indicates the client understands the diet teaching? 1. Grilled hamburger on a wheat bun and fried potatoes. 2. A chicken salad sandwich and lettuce and tomato salad. 3. Roast pork, white rice, and plain custard. 4. Fried fish, whole grain pasta, and fruit salad

1. Fried potatoes, along with pastries and pies, should be avoided. 2. Raw vegetables should be avoided because this is roughage. 3. A low-residue diet is a low-fiber diet. Products made of refined flour or finely milled grains, along with roasted, baked, or broiled meats, are recommended. 4. Fried foods should be avoided, and whole grain is high in fiber. Nuts and fruits with peels should be avoided. TEST-TAKING HINT: The test taker must know about therapeutic diets prescribed by healthcare providers. Remember, low residue is the same as low fiber

The client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed prednisone, a steroid, for an acute exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Which intervention should the nurse discuss with the client? 1. Take this medication on an empty stomach. 2. Notify the HCP if experiencing a moon face. 3. Take the steroid medication as prescribed. 4. Notify the HCP if the blood glucose is over 160

1. Steroids can cause erosion of the stomach and should be taken with food. 2. A moon face is an expected side effect of steroids. 3. This medication must be tapered off to prevent adrenal insufficiency; therefore, the client must take this medication as prescribed. 4. Steroids may increase the client's blood glucose, but diabetic medication regimens are usually not altered for the short period of time the client with an acute exacerbation is prescribed steroids. TEST-TAKING HINT: The test taker should know few medications must be taken on an empty stomach, which would cause option "1" to be eliminated. All medications should be taken as prescribed—don't think the answer is too easy

The client diagnosed with IBD is prescribed total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which intervention should the nurse implement? 1. Check the client's glucose level. 2. Administer an oral hypoglycemic. 3. Assess the peripheral intravenous site. 4. Monitor the client's oral food intake.

1. TPN is high in dextrose, which is glucose; therefore, the client's blood glucose level must be monitored closely. 2. The client may be on sliding-scale regular insulin coverage for the high glucose level. 3. The TPN must be administered via a subclavian line because of the high glucose level 4. The client is NPO to put the bowel at rest, which is the rationale for administering the TPN. TEST-TAKING HINT: The test taker may want to select option "3" because it has the word "assess," but the test taker should remember to note the adjective "peripheral," which makes this option incorrect. Remember, the words "check" and "monitor" are words meaning "assess."

The client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease has a serum potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse implement first? 1. Notify the health-care provider (HCP). 2. Assess the client for muscle weakness. 3. Request telemetry for the client. 4. Prepare to administer potassium IV.

1. The HCP should be notified so potassium supplements can be ordered, but this is not the first intervention. 2. Muscle weakness may be a sign of hypokalemia; hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and can be life threatening. Assessment is priority for a potassium level just below normal level, which is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L. 3. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias; therefore, requesting telemetry is appropriate, but it is not the first intervention. 4. The client will need potassium to correct the hypokalemia, but it is not the first intervention. TEST-TAKING HINT: When the question asks which action should be implemented first, remember assessment is the first step in the nursing process. If the answer option addressing assessment is appropriate for the situation in the question, then the test taker should select it as the correct answer

The client is diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which intervention should the nurse implement? 1. Provide a low-residue diet. 2. Rest the client's bowel. 3. Assess vital signs daily. 4. Administer antacids orally.

1. The client's bowel should be placed on rest and no foods or fluids should be introduced into the bowel. 2. Whenever a client has an acute exacerbation of a gastrointestinal disorder, the first intervention is to place the bowel on rest. The client should be NPO with intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. 3. The vital signs must be taken more often than daily in a client who is having an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. 4. The client will receive anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal medications, not antacids, which are used for gastroenteritis. TEST-TAKING HINT: "Acute exacerbation" is the key phrase in the stem of the question. The word "acute" should cause the test taker to eliminate any daily intervention

Which sign/symptom should the nurse expect to find in a client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis? 1. Twenty bloody stools a day. 2. Oral temperature of 102°F. 3. Hard, rigid abdomen. 4. Urinary stress incontinence

1. The colon is ulcerated and unable to absorb water, resulting in bloody diarrhea. Ten (10) to 20 bloody diarrhea stools is the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis. 2. Inflammation usually causes an elevated temperature but is not expected in the client with ulcerative colitis. 3. A hard, rigid abdomen indicates peritonitis, which is a complication of ulcerative colitis but not an expected symptom. 4. Stress incontinence is not a symptom of colitis. TEST-TAKING HINT: If the test taker is not sure of the answer, the test taker should use knowledge of anatomy and physiology to help identify the correct answer. The colon is responsible for absorbing water, and if the colon can't do its job, then water will not be absorbed, causing diarrhea (option "1"). Colitis is inflammation of the colon; therefore, option "4" referring to the urinary system can be eliminated.

The client with ulcerative colitis is scheduled for an ileostomy. The nurse is aware the client's stoma will be located in which area of the abdomen? 1. A 2. B 3. C 4. D

1. The cure for ulcerative colitis is a total colectomy, which is removing the entire large colon and bringing the terminal end of the ileum up to the abdomen in the right lower quadrant. This is an ileostomy. 2. This site is the left lower quadrant. 3. This site is the transverse colon. 4. This site is the right upper quadrant. TEST-TAKING HINT: The test taker must identify the area by using the computer mouse. These are called "hot spots" on the NCLEX-RN.

The client diagnosed with Crohn's disease is crying and tells the nurse, "I can't take it anymore. I never know when I will get sick and end up here in the hospital." Which statement is the nurse's best response? 1. "I understand how frustrating this must be for you." 2. "You must keep thinking about the good things in your life." 3. "I can see you are very upset. I'll sit down and we can talk." 4. "Are you thinking about doing anything like committing suicide?"

1. The nurse should never tell a client he or she understands what the client is going through. 2. Telling the client to think about the good things is not addressing the client's feelings. 3. The client is crying and is expressing feelings of powerlessness; therefore, the nurse should allow the client to talk. 4. The client is crying and states "I can't take it anymore," but this is not a suicidal comment or situation. TEST-TAKING HINT: There are rules applied to therapeutic responses. Do not say "understand" and do not ask "why." The test taker should select an option where some type of feeling is being reflected in the statement

The client is diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of IBD. Which priority intervention should the nurse implement? 1. Weigh the client daily and document in the client's chart. 2. Teach coping strategies such as dietary modifications. 3. Record the frequency, amount, and color of stools. 4. Monitor the client's oral fluid intake every shift

1. Weighing the client daily will help identify if the client is experiencing malnutrition, but it is not the priority intervention during an acute exacerbation. 2. Coping strategies help develop healthy ways to deal with this chronic disease, which has remissions and exacerbations, but it is not the priority intervention. 3. The severity of the diarrhea helps determine the need for fluid replacement. The liquid stool should be measured as part of the total output. 4. The client will be NPO when there is an acute exacerbation of IBD to allow the bowel to rest. TEST-TAKING HINT: The test taker can apply Maslow's hierarchy of needs and select the option addressing a physiological need.

The client with ulcerative colitis is to be on bed rest with bathroom privileges. When evaluating the effectiveness of this level of activity, the nurse should determine if the client has: 1.Conserved energy. 2.Reduced intestinal peristalsis. 3.Obtained needed rest. 4.Minimized stress.

2 Although modified bed rest does help conserve energy and promotes comfort, its primary purpose in this case is to help reduce the hypermotility of the colon. Remaining on bed rest does not by itself reduce stress, and if the client is having stress, the nurse can plan with the client to use strategies that will help the client manage the stress

Which of the following diets would be most appropriate for the client with ulcerative colitis? 1.High-calorie, low-protein. 2.High-protein, low-residue. 3.Low-fat, high-fiber. 4.Low-sodium, high-carbohydrate.

2 Clients with ulcerative colitis should follow a well-balanced high-protein, high-calorie, low-residue diet, avoiding such high-residue foods as whole-wheat grains, nuts, and raw fruits and vegetables. Clients with ulcerative colitis need more protein for tissue healing and should avoid excess roughage. There is no need for clients with ulcerative colitis to follow low-sodium diets

Which goal for the client's care should take priority during the first days of hospitalization for an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis? 1.Promoting self-care and independence. 2.Managing diarrhea. 3.Maintaining adequate nutrition. 4.Promoting rest and comfort.

2 Diarrhea is the primary symptom in an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, and decreasing the frequency of stools is the first goal of treatment. The other goals are ongoing and will be best achieved by halting the exacerbation. The client may receive antidiarrheal agents, antispasmodic agents, bulk hydrophilic agents, or anti-inflammatory drugs

A client has been placed on long-term sulfasalazine therapy for treatment of ulcerative colitis. The nurse should encourage the client to eat which of the following foods to help avoid the nutrient deficiencies that may develop as a result of this medication? 1.Citrus fruits. 2.Green, leafy vegetables. 3.Eggs. 4.Milk products.

2 In long-term sulfasalazine therapy, the client may develop folic acid deficiency. The client can take folic acid supplements, but the nurse should also encourage the client to increase the intake of folic acid in his diet. Green, leafy vegetables are a good source of folic acid. Citrus fruits, eggs, and milk products are not good sources of folic acid.