The clinic nurse is interviewing a new client, who presents with increasing frequency of stools and says the last healthcare provider gave a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. What statement by the client requires immediate follow-up? 

a.     "I'm having more frequent loose stools than I did last week." 

b.     "I've developed a high fever and severe abdominal pain since yesterday." 

c.     "My last healthcare provider said I have a genetic link for developing this disease."

d.     "This is a depressing disease to have." 

 

a.     "I'm having more frequent loose stools than I did last week." 

Step-by-step explanation

Ulcerative colitis refers to a long term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed. Small ulcers can develop mon the colon's lining and can bleed and produce pus. The leading theory on the cause of ulcerative colitis is that the immune system mistakes friendly bacteria in the colon which aid in digestion as a harmful infection, this results to the colon and rectum becoming inflamed. The severity of the symptom varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. The main symptoms are;

• tummy pain.
• recurring diarrhea which may contain blood, mucus or pus.
• needing to empty the bowels frequently.
• extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss.