A patient expresses concerns over having bright red stool. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"Sometimes severe stress can make the stool bright red."
"This is probably nothing. Just let me know if it happens again."
"This needs to be investigated. I will need a stool sample immediately and need to notify the Charge RN."
"You should schedule a colonoscopy as soon as possible."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Bright red stool can be caused by various factors, including the consumption of certain foods, medications, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Stress can lead to changes in bowel movements and might cause bright red stool due to increased gastrointestinal motility.
Choice B: While it's essential to reassure the patient, dismissing their concern without further assessment is not appropriate. The nurse should still investigate the potential causes of bright red stool.
Choice C: Jumping to conclusions and ordering immediate tests without further assessment is not the best approach. Before taking any action, the nurse should gather more information and assess other possible causes.
Choice D: Suggesting a colonoscopy as the first step is not necessary for every case of bright red stool. Further assessment is needed to determine the cause before resorting to such an invasive procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. When the left descending colon and rectum are removed, a colostomy is typically created. This involves bringing the proximal end of the remaining colon to the surface of the abdomen to create a stoma. The colostomy allows the rest of the bowel to heal and function normally.
B.A continent ostomy involves creating an internal reservoir with a valve, allowing the patient to control the evacuation of intestinal contents. This option is less common and usually associated with continent ileostomies rather than temporary diversions to rest a portion of the colon.
C. A Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy where an internal reservoir is created from the ileum, and the patient can empty the reservoir with a catheter. This is not typically used as a diversion for healing purposes involving the colon.
D.An ileostomy involves bringing the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) to the surface of the abdomen to create a stoma. Given that the left descending colon and rectum were removed, this procedure is unlikely unless the entire colon is bypassed or removed, which is not specified in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Addressing the cause of the patient's anxiety and fear is the priority to provide
emotional support and comfort. The nurse should actively listen to the patient's concerns and offer appropriate reassurance and information.
Choice B While assessing the patient's bowel sounds and gas is important for the overall care, it is not the priority at this moment when the patient is expressing fear and anxiety.
Choice C Addressing the family's questions is important, but the patient's emotional wellbeing should be the immediate focus.
Choice D Respiratory assessment is essential but is not the priority when the patient is expressing fear and anxiety about the upcoming surgery.
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