Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client with Crohn disease. Which of the following would the nurse most likely find?

  • A. Decreased white blood cell count
  • B. Increased albumin levels
  • C. Stool cultures negative for microorganisms or parasite
  • D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Stool cultures fail to reveal an etiologic microorganism or parasite, but occult blood and white blood cells (WBCs) often are found in the stool. Results of blood studies indicate anemia from chronic blood loss and nutritional deficiencies. The WBC count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be elevated, confirming an inflammatory disorder. Serum protein and albumin levels may be low because of malnutrition.