Which is the most important question the nurse should ask a client with ulcerative colitis prior to administering sulfasalazine?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
“Are you allergic to sulfa drugs?”
Explanation:
Before administering sulfasalazine to a client with ulcerative colitis, it is critical for the nurse to ask whether the client has any allergies to sulfa drugs. Sulfasalazine contains a sulfonamide component, and individuals who are allergic to sulfa drugs may experience severe hypersensitivity reactions if given this medication. These reactions can include rashes, fever, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly prescribed for inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the lining of the colon, leading to relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. However, due to its chemical structure, which includes both sulfapyridine (a sulfa component) and 5-aminosalicylic acid, it has the potential to trigger allergic responses in patients who are sensitive to sulfonamides.
Allergic reactions to sulfa drugs are relatively common, especially in people with a history of allergies or asthma. Since the effects of such reactions can be dangerous, verifying any history of sulfa allergy is a high priority. If a patient confirms a sulfa allergy, the nurse should hold the medication and notify the prescribing physician immediately. Alternative medications such as mesalamine, which lacks the sulfa component, may be considered instead.
In summary, assessing for sulfa allergy protects the client from adverse reactions and guides the healthcare team in choosing the safest and most effective treatment. This question helps ensure client safety, which is always the highest nursing priority in pharmacological care.