The patient with toxic megacolon is at an increased risk for intestinal perforation, so frequent abdominal assessments are necessary. Broad spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, and metronidazole) must be administered. Fluid and electrolyte disturbance correction and decreasing colonic distention are mainstays of therapy. Therefore, the nurse must provide aggressive fluid resuscitation and prepare the patient for a long intestinal tube to be placed and connected to suction. The patient with toxic megacolon is on bowel rest, so it is inappropriate to encourage the patient to eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet. Any medication that decreases bowel motility needs be stopped immediately – including opioids.