Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease

Definition:Type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease usually occurs in the ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult because Crohn’s disease often resembles other disorders including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Incidence: Men and women equally affected. Onset: Most likely to occur between 15 and 30 years old and >60 years. Etiology: Unknown (theorized autoimmune disorder). Clinical Findings: Most common symptoms are abdominal pain, often in lower right quadrant, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Anemia may occur if bleeding is persistent. Nursing Focus ■ Monitor intake and output and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. ■ Assess for skin breakdown and provide routine skin care. ■ Unless contraindicated, fluid intake should be 3000 mL/day. ■ Use calorie counts to ensure adequate nutrition. ■ Monitor lab results. Patient Teaching ■ Provide Pt and family with literature on Crohn’s disease. ■ Instruct Pt that fluid intake should be >3 L/day, and meals should be small and frequent to maintain adequate nutrition. ■ Teach Pt to minimize frequency and severity of future exacerbations by getting adequate rest and relaxation, reducing or avoiding stress, and maintaining adequate nutrition. ■ Explain dosages, route, actions, and adverse reactions of meds.