A nurse is implementing a bladder-training program for a patient.
Which of the following actions by the assistive personnel (AP) assisting with the patient’s care should the nurse intervene?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Applying four drops of developing solution to each stool specimen is incorrect. Typically, the test requires two drops of solution. Following manufacturer instructions ensures accurate results and prevents unnecessary waste or inaccurate readings.

Choice B rationale: Using toilet paper to transfer the stool specimen is improper. Stool should be collected using the provided applicator stick to avoid contamination, ensuring the accuracy of the fecal occult blood test.

Choice C rationale: Waiting 30 seconds after applying the developing solution allows the chemical reaction to complete, ensuring accurate detection of any occult blood present in the stool sample.

Choice D rationale: Collecting two stool specimens from the same area increases the risk of missing occult blood present in different parts of the stool. Sampling from multiple areas enhances test accuracy and ensures comprehensive results.

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is a condition that occurs when your body has too many bases. It can occur due to prolonged vomiting, use of diuretics, or an overuse of antacids. In the context of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), metabolic alkalosis is not typically a direct result of the disease. COPD primarily affects the respiratory system and does not directly cause an imbalance of bases in the body.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough carbon dioxide (CO2). This leads to a buildup of CO2 in the body, causing the pH of the blood to decrease and become more acidic. This is the most common acid-base imbalance seen in patients with COPD1. COPD can cause an alteration in respiratory exchanges, leading to retention of CO21. The consequence of hypercapnia due to alteration of gas exchange in COPD patients mainly consists in an increase of H+ concentration and development of respiratory acidosis.

Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that occurs when there is too little carbon dioxide in the body, often due to hyperventilation. In the context of COPD, this is less likely because COPD patients often have difficulty expelling carbon dioxide, not an excess of it being expelled.

Choice D rationale:

Metabolic Acidosis Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body. This can occur due to conditions such as kidney disease, lactic acidosis, or ketoacidosis. While COPD can have wide-ranging effects on the body, it does not typically cause metabolic acidosis directly.