Inflammatory Bowel Disease Practice
Questions
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. - answer1. Twenty bloody stools a day.
The colon is unable to absorb water, resulting in bloody diarrhea. 10-20 stools a day is
the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis
The client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed prednisone, a steroid, for acute
exacerbation of IBD. Which intervention should the nurse discuss with the client?
1. Take this medication on an empty stomach
2. Notify the provider if experiencing a moon face
3. Take the steroid as prescribed
4. Notify the provider if blood glucose is over 160 - answer3. Take the steroid as
prescribed
This medication must be tapered off to prevent adrenal insufficiency; therefore, the
client must take this medication as prescribed
The client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease has a serum potassium level of
3.4. Which action should the nurse implement first?
1. Notify the provider
2. Assess the client for muscle weakness
3. Request telemetry for the client
4. Prepare to administer potassium IV - answer2. Assess the client for muscle
weakness
Muscle weakness may be a sign of hypokalemia, which can be life threatening.
Remember, assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
Questions
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. - answer1. Twenty bloody stools a day.
The colon is unable to absorb water, resulting in bloody diarrhea. 10-20 stools a day is
the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis
The client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed prednisone, a steroid, for acute
exacerbation of IBD. Which intervention should the nurse discuss with the client?
1. Take this medication on an empty stomach
2. Notify the provider if experiencing a moon face
3. Take the steroid as prescribed
4. Notify the provider if blood glucose is over 160 - answer3. Take the steroid as
prescribed
This medication must be tapered off to prevent adrenal insufficiency; therefore, the
client must take this medication as prescribed
The client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease has a serum potassium level of
3.4. Which action should the nurse implement first?
1. Notify the provider
2. Assess the client for muscle weakness
3. Request telemetry for the client
4. Prepare to administer potassium IV - answer2. Assess the client for muscle
weakness
Muscle weakness may be a sign of hypokalemia, which can be life threatening.
Remember, assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
