- Based on what you have learned, all of the following lifestyle modifications will assist in preventing an exacerbation of Crohn’s disease EXCEPT which?
Answer: A – High Fiber Diet
Rationale: Patients with Crohn’s disease flare ups are often instructed to maintain a LOW fiber diet along with smoking cessation, a low fat diet, reduced dairy intake and stress reduction. A low fiber diet is believed to help reduce the amount and quantity of stools.
- TRUE or FALSE: Crohn’s disease can occur in your mouth?
Answer: TRUE
Rationale: Although Crohn’s commonly affects the small intestines and the beginning of the large intestines/colon, it can occur and/or start anywhere in the digestive system. This includes the mouth, stomach, and esophagus. This is the biggest difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s since UC will ONLY affect the colon.
- What is one common vitamin a patient may be deficient in who has Crohn’s disease?
Answer: B – Vitamin B12
Rationale: Due to the affects that Crohn’s has on your small intestines, that patient’s body often does not absorb or take up enough B12 from their dietary intake like it would normally. Often patients who live with Crohn’s will require monthly Vitamin B12 injections or supplements to compensate the malabsorption.
- You are working as a Nurse Practitioner in a primary care office when one of your patients who is in his late 20’s comes in with complaints that mimic Crohn’s disease. What symptoms would you expect him to describe?
Answer: C – Weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever
Rationale: Crohn’s often presents itself with diarrhea (often with blood in the stool), abdominal pain and/or cramping, loss of appetite with weight loss, fever, and fatigue. A patient may present with mouth sores as well if the Crohn’s is present there.
- What is the first step in treatment for Crohn’s disease that doctor’s will often try?
Answer: C – Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Rationale: The first line of treatment in Crohn’s disease and flare ups is often anti-inflammatory drugs including corticosteroids and aminosalicylates. While antibiotics, lifestyle modifications and a colostomy may also be used or performed in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medications, the ultimate goal is to reduce the inflammation and relieve symptoms so that the patient can have as normal a life as possible with this disease. It is important to remember, none of these options will get rid of this disease as there is no CURE for Crohn’s, but they all will aid in diminishing the symptoms.