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 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.

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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. Worms from unsanitary conditions B. Occult blood in the stool C. Normal stool characteristics D. Irritant or inflamed portion of the bowel

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Stool with worms would present as visible worms or worm segments in the stool and not pus.

Choice B Occult blood refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye and is not related to the presence of pus in the stool.

Choice C Pus in the stool is not considered a normal stool characteristic.

Choice D The presence of pus in the stool may indicate inflammation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially from conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infection.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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