A nurse is assisting with the care of a client. Exhibits Data Collection Findings. For each data collection finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with: ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

The data collection findings are consistent with the following disease processes: Abdominal cramping: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn’s disease. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of inflammation and infection in the digestive tract. Weight loss: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Weight loss can result from malabsorption, reduced appetite, inflammation, or complications of the disease. Diarrhea: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Diarrhea is caused by increased intestinal motility, inflammation, and ulceration of the mucosa. Anemia: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Anemia can result from chronic blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or inflammation. The finding of fatty appearance and foul odor of the stool is also consistent with Crohn’s disease, as it suggests steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool) due to malabsorption. The finding of a positive fecal occult blood test is consistent with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, as it indicates bleeding in the digestive tract.