In assessing a client with ulcerative colitis, which finding should be reported to the health care provider?

In a client with ulcerative colitis, the presence of rebound tenderness is particularly concerning and should be reported to the healthcare provider. Rebound tenderness can indicate peritoneal irritation, which may suggest a complication such as perforation of the colon or the presence of intra-abdominal pathology. This finding requires immediate medical evaluation, as it signals a potential acute abdominal emergency.

While bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis and should be monitored, it is typically not an immediate medical emergency on its own. Hypotension can indicate dehydration or other complications, but it could be a benign finding in some cases of ulcerative colitis if closely monitored. A hemoglobin level of 12 mg/dL, while it may raise some concerns for anemia, is not inherently alarming or emergent unless it is significantly lower than the patient's baseline or accompanied by other symptoms. Therefore, rebound tenderness stands out as a critical finding that necessitates prompt attention from the healthcare provider.