Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is the most common assessment finding in a child with ulcerative colitis?

1. Constipation

2. Bloody diarrhea

3. Anal fissures

4. Abdominal distention

The correct answer is: Bloody diarrhea

In a child with ulcerative colitis, the most common assessment finding is bloody diarrhea. This condition is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa, which leads to the passage of blood and mucus in the stool. The inflammation typically originates from the rectum and can extend proximally through the colon, resulting in significant gastrointestinal disturbances. The presence of bloody diarrhea indicates the severity of the mucosal damage and is a key symptom that differentiates ulcerative colitis from other gastrointestinal conditions. Children with this condition may also experience other symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, urgency to defecate, or weight loss, but bloody diarrhea is the hallmark manifestation that reflects the underlying pathology of the disease. While other options like constipation, anal fissures, and abdominal distention can occur in various gastrointestinal disorders, they are not as characteristic or prevalent as bloody diarrhea in the context of ulcerative colitis. Therefore, recognizing bloody diarrhea as a primary sign is crucial for diagnosis and subsequent management of pediatric patients with this inflammatory bowel disease.