A nurse is teaching a client about fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for the screening of colorectal cancer. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
“Your provider will use stool from your digital rectal examination to perform the test.”
“Your provider will prescribe a stimulant laxative prior to the procedure to evacuate the bowel.”
“You should begin annual fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening at 40 years old.”
“You should avoid taking corticosteroids prior to testing.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason
“Your provider will use stool from your digital rectal examination to perform the test.” This statement is incorrect. For fecal occult blood testing, stool samples are typically collected at home using a special kit provided by the healthcare provider. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis. Using stool from a digital rectal examination is not the standard procedure for FOBT.
Choice B Reason
“Your provider will prescribe a stimulant laxative prior to the procedure to evacuate the bowel.” This statement is incorrect. Stimulant laxatives are not typically prescribed before an FOBT. The test requires a small sample of stool, and using a laxative could interfere with the results. Patients are usually advised to follow specific dietary and medication guidelines to avoid false positives or negatives.
Choice C Reason
“You should begin annual fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening at 40 years old.” This statement is incorrect. Current guidelines recommend starting colorectal cancer screening, including FOBT, at age 45 for individuals at average risk. Screening may start earlier for those with a higher risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer.
Choice D Reason
“You should avoid taking corticosteroids prior to testing.” This is the correct statement. Corticosteroids can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, which may lead to false-positive results in fecal occult blood tests. Therefore, it is important to avoid these medications before testing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
4g sodium diet. While reducing sodium intake is important for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), a specific 4g sodium diet is not typically prescribed. Instead, patients are generally advised to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day to help control blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.
Choice B Reason
Potassium-restricted diet. This is the correct intervention. Patients with CKD often have difficulty excreting potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. Therefore, a potassium-restricted diet is commonly recommended to maintain normal serum potassium levels.
Choice C Reason
High-phosphorus diet. This statement is incorrect. Patients with CKD are usually advised to limit phosphorus intake because their kidneys cannot effectively excrete phosphorus, leading to hyperphosphatemia. High phosphorus levels can cause bone and cardiovascular problems.
Choice D Reason
High-protein diet. This statement is incorrect. While protein is essential, excessive protein intake can increase the workload on the kidneys. Patients with CKD are often advised to follow a moderate protein diet to reduce the production of waste products that the kidneys need to filter.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Review the client’s Hgb level prior to administration. This is the correct action. Monitoring hemoglobin (Hgb) levels is crucial before administering epoetin because it helps determine the appropriate dosage and ensures the treatment is safe and effective. Epoetin is used to stimulate red blood cell production, and administering it without checking Hgb levels can lead to complications such as hypertension or thromboembolic events if the Hgb level is too high.
Choice B Reason
Use the Z-track method when administering the medication. This statement is incorrect. The Z-track method is used for intramuscular injections to prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissues. Epoetin is typically administered subcutaneously or intravenously, not intramuscularly, so the Z-track method is not applicable.
Choice C Reason
Shake the vial for 30 seconds prior to withdrawing the medication. This statement is incorrect. Shaking the vial of epoetin can damage the protein structure of the medication, rendering it ineffective. The vial should be gently swirled if necessary, but not shaken.
Choice D Reason
Ensure the client is not taking iron supplements while on this medication. This statement is incorrect. Iron supplements are often necessary when administering epoetin because iron is required for the production of hemoglobin. Ensuring adequate iron levels helps maximize the effectiveness of epoetin therapy.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.