A nurse is preparing to collect a specimen from a client for a guaiac test. The client asks what the test will detect in his stool. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a. A sensory warning that a seizure is imminent: An aura is a subjective sensation or warning that a seizure is about to occur. It can manifest as visual, auditory, or other sensory experiences.

b. A brief loss of consciousness accompanied by staring: This describes an absence seizure, not an aura. Absence seizures are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness without convulsions.

c. A continuous seizure state in which seizures occur in rapid succession: This describes status epilepticus, not an aura. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or rapidly recurring seizures.

d. A period of sleepiness following the seizure during which arousal is difficult: This describes the postictal state, not an aura. The postictal state is a period of altered consciousness or

sleepiness that may follow a seizure.

a. Bile: The guaiac test is not used to detect bile in the stool.

b. Lipids: The guaiac test is not used to detect lipids in the stool.

c. Blood: The guaiac test, also known as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), is used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool. It is commonly used as a screening test for colorectal cancer.

d. Bacteria: The guaiac test is not used to detect bacteria in the stool.