A nurse is reviewing the laboratory reports of four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse expect to have a positive fecal occult blood test?
A client who has ulcerative colitis
A client who has stomatitis
A client who uses laxatives
A client who has cholecystitis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
A client who has ulcerative colitis is correct. Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), involves chronic inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum. This condition often results in bleeding from the inflamed mucosa, leading to the presence of blood in the stool that can be detected by a fecal occult blood test.
Choice B Reason:
A client who has stomatitis is incorrect. Stomatitis refers to inflammation in the mouth and does not typically cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which is what the fecal occult blood test detects. Stomatitis involves oral lesions or sores but does not directly impact stool blood content.
Choice C Reason:
A client who uses laxatives is incorrect. Laxative use does not necessarily cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. While some laxatives can potentially irritate the intestinal lining, leading to minor bleeding in some cases, the presence of blood in the stool due to laxative use is less common compared to conditions like ulcerative colitis, where chronic inflammation and ulceration lead to significant bleeding.
Choice D Reason:
A client who has cholecystitis is incorrect. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder and does not directly involve bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. It typically presents with symptoms related to gallbladder inflammation such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, rather than causing bleeding that would be detected by a fecal occult blood test.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The stoma bleeds lightly when touched is incorrect. Some minor bleeding during the initial postoperative period is expected due to surgical trauma. Light bleeding when touched might not be unusual in the immediate days following colostomy placement.
Choice B Reason:
The stoma appears dark in color is correct. A dark-colored stoma could indicate compromised blood supply or ischemia, which is a concerning finding postoperatively. It's crucial to report this change in color promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice CReason:
The stoma is draining a small amount of liquid stool is incorrect. In the early postoperative period, drainage of liquid stool from the stoma is normal. The digestive system needs time to adapt to the new anatomy created by the colostomy, and initially, the stool consistency might be liquid before it starts to normalize.
Choice DReason:
The stoma protrudes slightly from the abdomen is incorrect. A slightly protruding stoma is a common and expected finding after colostomy surgery. It's often a normal part of the healing process as the stoma settles and adjusts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Recheck the client's SaO2 level after having the client cough and clear their throat is correct. This action is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the SaO2 reading. Sometimes, minor obstructions or secretions in the airway can momentarily affect the oxygen saturation readings. Having the client cough and clear their throat may help improve the SaO2 readings by clearing any temporary blockages.
Choice B Reason:
Review the client's most recent SaO2 level in the medical record is incorrect. While reviewing the client's history is important, the immediate priority is to verify the current SaO2 level for accuracy before taking further action.
Choice C Reason:
Notify the charge nurse of the client's condition is incorrect. While it might eventually be necessary to inform other healthcare team members, the immediate action should focus on rechecking the SaO2 level to ensure the client's current oxygen saturation status.
Choice D Reason:
Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered is incorrect. Knowing the client's recent medications is important for assessment, but it may not directly address the current situation of shortness of breath and low oxygen saturation. Rechecking the SaO2 level takes precedence in this acute situation.
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