The nurse is caring for a client with an inflammatory bowel disease exacerbation. The client is prescribed sulfasalazine. Which finding would require a priority follow-up by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) contains sulfapyridine and aspirin (5-ASA) and is used as a topical gastrointestinal anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). When the 5-ASA is combined with the sulfa preparation, the drug does not become absorbed until it reaches the colon. Dehydration is a risk with IBD as the client can have up to 20 diarrheal stools a day. The client usually does not feel thirsty until after there is a fluid volume deficit. Sulfa can crystallize in the kidney if the client is dehydrated. Normal urine specific gravity is 1.003-1.030. Elevated specific gravity can indicate concentrated urine and be a sign of dehydration (Option D). (Option A) Due to the inflammatory nature of IBD, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and white blood cells can be elevated. This is an expected finding during an exacerbation. (Option B) Mild to moderate anemia (normal hemoglobin 13.2-17.3 g/dL [132-173 g/L] for males, 11.7-15.5 g/dL [117-155 g/L] for females) is common with most chronic inflammatory conditions (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD) as the body cannot use the available iron in bone marrow with active inflammation. In addition, IBD exacerbation usually includes bloody stools, resulting in blood loss iron deficiency anemia. This needs follow-up but is not a priority. (Option C) Yellow-orange discoloration of the client's skin and urine is an expected side effect from the drug. Educational objective: Dehydration is a concern with sulfasalazine and most other "sulfa" medications due to the risk of crystal formation in the kidney. It is also a potential complication of inflammatory bowel disease.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with an Inflammatory