Question

The nurse is planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis. Which characteristics associated with ulcerative colitis will the nurse recognize?

1) Attacks last 1 to 3 months.
2) A secondary peak of ulcerative colitis occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 years.
3) It affects the mucosa and submucosa of the small intestine.
4) Mild to moderate symptoms are present.
5) The onset is usually insidious.

Answer 1

In planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis, a nurse should recognize that it mainly affects the colon and rectum, can have insidious onset, and symptoms can last 1 to 3 months and range from mild to moderate. Contrary to one statement, the small intestine is not affected.

Step-by-step explanation:

When planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis, a nurse should recognize several key characteristics associated with the condition:

1. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers in the mucosa and submucosa. Unlike Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis does not affect the small intestine (issue 3), and thus, this statement is incorrect.
2. Although ulcerative colitis can begin at any age, it most often starts between the ages of 15 and 30 years, and the notion of a secondary peak between the ages of 40 and 50 is less commonly discussed (issue 2).
3. Flare-ups of ulcerative colitis can last for varying durations, including 1 to 3 months (issue 1); an onset can often be insidious (issue 5).
4. Symptoms can range in severity, and clients may experience mild to moderate symptoms, although severe symptoms can also be present (issue 4).

Lifestyle changes and medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, can improve symptoms and prolong periods of remission for individuals with ulcerative colitis. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.