CRNE Exam Prep

Answer: C - The priority intervention during the acute phase of ulcerative colitis is maintaining the NPO status. Bowel rest prevents the secretion of highly corrosive gastrointestinal fluids, decreasing the severity of pain and other symptoms. A clear liquid diet is maintained after the bowel rest. Restricting the client’s activity can decrease the symptoms by reducing intestinal activity, but it is not the priority action. The most important step is to prevent secretions that can aggravate the condition. The client may consume bulk-forming agents between episodes.