Question

The nurse is conducting a gastrointestinal assessment. When the patient complains of the presence of mucus and pus in his stools, the nurse assesses for additional signs/symptoms of which of the following disease/conditions?

1) Small-bowel disease
2) Ulcerative colitis
3) Disorders of the colon
4) Intestinal malabsorption

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for additional signs/symptoms of ulcerative colitis when a patient complains of mucus and pus in their stool.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should assess for additional signs/symptoms of ulcerative colitis when a patient complains of the presence of mucus and pus in their stool. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Other common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and anemia.