The nurse is caring for a hospitalized female client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
a. Hypotension
b. Bloody diarrhea
c. Rebound tenderness
d. A hemoglobin level of 12 mg/dL
Answer C.
Rebound tenderness may indicate peritonitis. Bloody diarrhea is expected to occur in ulcerative colitis. Because of the blood loss, the client may be hypotensive and the hemoglobin level may be lower than normal. Signs of peritonitis must be reported to the physician.
a. Hypotension
b. Bloody diarrhea
c. Rebound tenderness
d. A hemoglobin level of 12 mg/dL
Answer C.
Rebound tenderness may indicate peritonitis. Bloody diarrhea is expected to occur in ulcerative colitis. Because of the blood loss, the client may be hypotensive and the hemoglobin level may be lower than normal. Signs of peritonitis must be reported to the physician.