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

Abdominal cramping: Present in ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and Crohn's disease due to inflammation of the bowel. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon, diverticulitis involves inflamed diverticula, and Crohn’s disease can cause transmural inflammation anywhere in the GI tract. Diarrhea: A hallmark of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, resulting from mucosal damage and inflammation. Diverticulitis more commonly presents with constipation or alternating bowel habits rather than persistent diarrhea. Weight loss: Common in Crohn’s disease due to malabsorption caused by widespread GI involvement. Less likely in ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis unless there is prolonged disease progression or severe complications. Anemia: Present in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease due to chronic inflammation and potential GI blood loss. Less common in diverticulitis unless there is active bleeding from perforation or fistula formation.