Treating Ulcerative Colitis
UC typically presents with abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and anemia. Pediatric patients may also experience growth failure and delayed puberty, which complicates their medical and emotional needs. The goals of UC management are controlling inflammation of the intestine, promoting remission, ensuring adequate nutrition, and maintaining quality of life.
Nurses should regularly monitor (and thoroughly document) signs of dehydration, especially during UC flares, as diarrhea can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring daily weights and developmental milestones can help identify growth delays or nutritional deficiencies.
Nutrition
The interdisciplinary team should include nurses and dietitians to develop a diet plan tailored to your patient’s needs. If a flare up causes severe symptoms, your patient might need complete bowel rest, requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and lipid therapy.
After a patient is on bowel rest, reintroduced food and drink slowly, starting with clear liquids, then full liquids, and then a bland or regular diet. When the patient can resume a regular diet, the nurse or dietician should instruct them to eat small, frequent meals and make sure they understand what triggers their symptoms, such as spicy foods or dairy. Documenting food intake and any related symptoms in a journal can help.
Emotional support
Nurses should actively support and encourage patients. This can be accomplished through positive reinforcement and praise for achievements.
You can also connect patients with support groups or other families undergoing similar challenges to help them feel less isolated. And don’t be afraid to teach or suggest relaxation techniques, journaling, nonpharmacological pain control, and other creative outlets to manage stress.
Throughout this aspect of care, assess the patient’s mental health and inform the physician if you see a need for a visit with a psychiatrist or mental health counselor. Chronic illnesses, as you know, can cause anxiety, depression, and body image issues.
