Question

A female client is admitted with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which laboratory value does the nurse correlate with this condition?

A) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), 55 mm/hr
B) Potassium, 5.5 mEq/L
C) Sodium, 144 mEq/L
D) Hemoglobin, 14.2 g/dL

Answer 1

The laboratory value that correlates with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is an elevated Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (option A) , which is indicative of inflammation associated with this condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering laboratory values associated with a female client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, the most correlating value would be option A) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), 55 mm/hr. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. An increased ESR level is indicative of inflammation in the body, which is consistent with the inflammatory processes associated with ulcerative colitis.



Normal ESR values are usually lower than 20 mm/hr in men and slightly higher in women, so an ESR of 55 mm/hr is elevated. The other options, such as potassium (Option B) at 5.5 mEq/L and sodium (Option C) at 144 mEq/L, are within normal ranges and are less specific to ulcerative colitis. A hemoglobin level (Option D) of 14.2 g/dL is also considered normal for females.