Question

The patient with Crohn's disease develops a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit and abdominal pain. what is the nurse's best action?

A. Auscultate bowel sounds

B. apply poor compresses to the periumbilical area

C. call the pharmacist for an antipyretic medication

D. increase the intravenous rate

Answer 1

The answer is -------- C. Call the pharmacist for an antipyretic medication.  

Explanation :

Abdominal pain is common symptom of Crohn's disease. Fever too is sometimes associated with abdominal pain secondary to the inflammatory process in the intestine. Therefore, giving antipyretics which will reduce the fever as well as abdominal pain because of its anti inflammatory properties is the best choice.

While other options include -

• There is increase in bowel sounds in patients with Crohn's disease.
• It is better to avoid compress as it may worsen the condition if the fever is a result of infection.
• Hydration is good , but since there is intestinal obstruction increasing IV fluids should be done only with physician's order.

Thank you.