What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take when a patient with ulcerative colitis develops excessive episodes of bloody diarrhea?
A) Send a stool sample to the laboratory to rule out infectious causes.
B) Encourage increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
C) Administer anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.
D) Call the physician, as this is a life-threatening condition.
D) Call the physician, as this is a life-threatening condition.
Explanation: A) Although it may be appropriate to send a stool sample to the laboratory, increase fluid intake, and administer anti-inflammatory drugs, the priority is to notify the physician because the patient may have megacolon, a potentially life-threatening condition.
B) Although it may be appropriate to send a stool sample to the laboratory, increase fluid intake, and administer anti-inflammatory drugs, the priority is to notify the physician because the patient may have megacolon, a potentially life-threatening condition.
C) Although it may be appropriate to send a stool sample to the laboratory, increase fluid intake, and administer anti-inflammatory drugs, the priority is to notify the physician because the patient may have megacolon, a potentially life-threatening condition.
D) Patients with UC may develop a rare condition known as toxic megacolon. This condition is a life-threatening emergency characterized by dilation of the colon and excessive episodes of bloody diarrhea that may lead to the need for blood transfusions. If this condition cannot be managed with aggressive medical treatment, emergent bowel surgery may be indicated.
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