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