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
“Lie on your left side.” This statement is incorrect. After a liver biopsy, the client should lie on their right side to apply pressure to the biopsy site and help prevent bleeding.
Choice B Reason
“Lie on your right side.” This is the correct instruction. Lying on the right side helps compress the liver biopsy site, reducing the risk of bleeding and promoting clot formation.
Choice C Reason
“Increase your fluid intake.” This statement is not specifically related to post-liver biopsy care. While staying hydrated is generally good advice, it is not a primary instruction for post-biopsy care.
Choice D Reason
“Decrease your fluid intake.” This statement is incorrect. There is no need to decrease fluid intake after a liver biopsy. Proper hydration is important for overall health and recovery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Place several pillows behind the client’s head. This intervention is incorrect. Placing several pillows behind the client’s head can lead to neck flexion, which can increase intracranial pressure by obstructing venous outflow from the brain.
Choice B Reason
Place the client in a lateral semi-prone recumbent position. This position is not ideal for managing increased intracranial pressure. The optimal position is to keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees with the neck in a neutral position to promote venous drainage and reduce ICP.
Choice C Reason
Keep the client’s neck in a midline position. This is the correct intervention. Keeping the neck in a midline position helps to ensure proper venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing intracranial pressure. It is a standard practice in managing patients with elevated ICP.
Choice D Reason
Maintain flexion of the client’s hips at a 90-degree angle. This intervention is incorrect. Flexion of the hips can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn can increase intracranial pressure. It is important to avoid hip flexion in patients with elevated ICP.
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