N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide • Teach patient to use incentive spirometer to promote respiratory function • Gradually increase activity as patient tolerates • Patient teaching for recovery plan, diet, activity, pain management, signs of complications, and wound care Expected outcomes for appendicitis: • Patient remains free of complications • Verbalizes increased comfort and pain relief • Patient remains free from respiratory complications • Maintains adequate nutrition and fluid intake and output • Verbalizes understanding of disease, treatment plan, and recovery process Ulcerative Colitis Ulceration and inflammation of the colon can be caused by a condition known as ulcerative colitis. The superficial mucosa of the colon develops multiple inflammatory lesions on the surface. The injured tissue then sloughs off and necrosis occurs. It can spread to the large intestine and also the distal ileum. This condition causes the bowels to become shortened, narrower, and thickened. This is caused by fatty deposits and muscular hypertrophy. Ulcerative colitis occurs between the ages of 15 and 25. It is common in people with personalities that reflect passiveness and immaturity, those who are anxious to please others, and perfectionists. It is mostly seen in females. Patients with this disease use coping mechanisms like withdrawing, repressing, and living in denial. This disease can cause colon cancer and has a very high mortality rate. Nurses will need to gather a thorough emotional history of the patient since the disease has psychological factors that can cause it. In working with patients, teaching coping skills will be a priority to help prevent further damage to the colon. Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis: • Diarrhea (10 to 20 stools daily) • Abdominal pain • Cramping • Vomiting • Dehydration • Anorexia • Weight loss • Tenesmus/anal spasms • Rectal bleeding • Anemia • Rebound tenderness RLQ • Hypocalcemia • Fever • Urge to defecate • Psychological distress ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 162 of 204