A patient with ulcerative colitis develops fever, increasing abdominal girth, severe tenderness and a rapid pulse. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
Correct answer: A. Toxic megacolon
- A. Toxic megacolon
- B. Paralytic ileus
- C. Acute appendicitis
- D. Simple constipation
Explanation
Fever, abdominal distension, tenderness and systemic toxicity in ulcerative colitis suggest toxic megacolon, a life-threatening dilation of the colon. Simple constipation does not usually produce this severe inflammatory picture, and appendicitis does not explain the underlying colitis pattern.
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About Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing
Covers nursing care for peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It includes nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management, abdominal assessment, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which must be distinguished from other causes of altered consciousness.
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