Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

CHAPTER 7 Gastrointestinal System^323



  • Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate due to inflammation.

  • Electrolyte disturbance due to diarrhea and poor absorbance of nutrients.

  • Double-contrast barium enema shows areas of ulceration and inflammation.

  • Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy show ulcerations and bleeding.


TREATMENT



  • Keep stool diary to identify irritating foods.

  • Low-fiber, high-protein, high-calorie diet.

  • Administer antidiarrheal medications:

    • loperamide

    • diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine



  • Administer salicylate medications to reduce inflammation within the intes-
    tinal mucosa:

    • sulfasalazine

    • mesalamine

    • olsalazine

    • balsalazide



  • Administer corticosteroids during exacerbations to reduce inflammation:

    • prednisone

    • hydrocortisone



  • NPO for bowel rest during exacerbations.

  • Administer anticholinergics to reduce abdominal cramping and discomfort:

    • dicyclomine



  • Surgical resection of affected area of large intestine.


NURSING DIAGNOSES



  • Acute pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Impaired skin integrity

  • Disturbed body image

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