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."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Stress does not cause bright red stool. Dismissing the symptom as stress could delay identification of potentially serious gastrointestinal bleeding.

B. Minimizing the patient’s concern is inappropriate because bright red stool may indicate active lower gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or other more serious causes.

C. Investigating the cause of bright red stool promptly is essential. Collecting a stool sample and notifying the charge nurse ensures timely assessment, early detection of bleeding, and appropriate interventions to prevent complications.

D. Recommending a colonoscopy may be necessary in the long-term evaluation of bright red stool, but immediate assessment and diagnostic steps should occur first. Scheduling a colonoscopy without initial evaluation is premature and does not address acute concerns.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Laxatives might be an option, but they should not be the first intervention. Other noninvasive measures should be tried first.

Choice B Administering a cleansing enema is not the first intervention for a patient having

trouble defecating into a bedpan. It is an invasive procedure and should be considered after less invasive measures have been tried.

Choice C Withholding pain medication might lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient and is not the best approach to promote bowel movements.

Choice D Raising the head of the bed will help the patient assume a more upright position, which can facilitate bowel movement and defecation into the bedpan more effectively.

A. A 40yearold patient with an ileostomy B. A 70yearold patient with incontinence C. A 30yearold patient with C. difficile D. A 25yearold patient with Crohn's disease

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A A bowel training schedule is not typically required for patients with an ileostomy, as they have a surgically created opening (stoma) for stool to pass directly out of the body.

Choice B Bowel training can be beneficial for patients with incontinence, as it involves establishing a regular toileting routine to help regain bowel control and prevent accidental bowel movements.

Choice C C. difficile is an infectious condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, and bowel training may not be the primary intervention for this patient.

Choice D Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and while bowel training may be helpful for some Crohn's patients, it is not the most common intervention for this condition.

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A patient expresses concerns over having bright red stool. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

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