A nurse is preparing to obtain a guaiac smear sample from a client for fecal occult blood testing. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Wear sterile gloves when collecting the sample.
Discard samples that contain urine.
Collect three samples from a single bowel movement.
Take the sample from the outer edge of formed stool.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: While wearing gloves is a standard precaution to prevent contamination and protect the nurse from potential pathogens, the gloves used for collecting a guaiac smear sample do not need to be sterile. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure.
Choice B reason: It is crucial to discard any samples that contain urine because urine can interfere with the results of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). The presence of urine can cause false positives due to the peroxidase activity in urine, which can lead to unnecessary further testing.
Choice C reason: Collecting three samples from a single bowel movement is not recommended. Instead, it is advised to collect samples from three separate bowel movements to increase the likelihood of detecting intermittent bleeding, which is common in conditions like colorectal cancer.
Choice D reason: Taking the sample from the outer edge of formed stool is not the best practice. The sample should be taken from different areas of the stool to ensure a representative sample, as blood may not be uniformly distributed throughout the stool.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement does not indicate a need for further instruction. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate before taking other medications to ensure proper absorption of the drug.
Choice B reason: This statement indicates a need for further instruction. Alendronate should be taken with plain water, not milk. Milk and other dairy products can interfere with the absorption of alendronate due to their calcium content.
Choice C reason: This statement does not indicate a need for further instruction. Patients are advised to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate to prevent esophageal irritation or ulceration.
Choice D reason: This statement does not indicate a need for further instruction. Periodic bone density tests are a standard part of monitoring the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dry areas around the pins can be a normal finding if the pin sites are healing properly. It indicates that there is no excessive moisture that could promote bacterial growth and infection. However, the nurse should continue to monitor for any signs of redness, swelling, or pain that could indicate a developing infection.
Choice B reason: Crusts around the pins are typically a sign of dried exudate, which can be part of the normal healing process. The crusts should be monitored and cleaned according to the healthcare facility's protocol to prevent infection. If the crusts are accompanied by other signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or purulent drainage, they should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Purulent drainage around the pins is a sign of infection and should be reported immediately to the unit care coordinator. Infections at pin sites can lead to complications such as osteomyelitis, delayed healing, or even systemic infection. Prompt intervention with appropriate cleaning and possibly antibiotics is necessary to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason: The absence of pain at the site can be a normal finding and is not typically a cause for concern unless there is an expectation of pain based on the patient's condition or recent procedures. However, a complete lack of sensation could indicate nerve damage or other issues, so the nurse should assess for other signs of neurovascular compromise and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today