Question

The nurse is caring for a client with Crohn's disease and colonic strictures. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to consult the health care provider immediately?

A) Traces of blood in the stool
B) Distended abdomen
C) Temperature of 100.0° F (37.8° C)
D) Crampy lower abdominal pain

Answer 1

The nurse should immediately consult the health care provider if the client with Crohn's disease and colonic strictures presents with a distended abdomen, as it may indicate a serious complication such as a bowel obstruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding that requires the nurse to consult the health care provider immediately for a client with Crohn's disease and colonic strictures is B) Distended abdomen.

An abdomen that is distended can indicate a possible bowel obstruction or other serious complication that may arise with Crohn's disease. Such a presentation requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications. Other symptoms like traces of blood in the stool (A), a mild temperature (C), and crampy lower abdominal pain (D) are concerning but are often common findings in Crohn's disease. A distended abdomen could suggest an acute complication that necessitates urgent evaluation and management to prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition.