The nurse is collecting a stool specimen from a client. What stool characteristic indicates to the nurse that the client may have an upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed?
Black, tarry stool
Clay-colored stool
Watery stool
Bright red blood in the stool
The Correct Answer is A
A. Black, tarry stool is indicative of blood that has been digested in the upper GI tract. The dark color is due to the action of digestive enzymes on blood.
B. Clay-colored stool is typically associated with biliary obstruction, not upper GI bleeding.
C. Watery stool can be caused by various conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and medications. It is not a specific indicator of upper GI bleeding.
D. Bright red blood in the stool is more likely to be associated with lower GI bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition among older adults. It typically involves a gradual decline in hearing ability due to changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve as people age. This statement acknowledges a common experience and helps normalize the patient's condition without suggesting immediate medical intervention or attributing it to something specific.
B. While hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss, not all cases immediately require them. It’s important to assess the severity of hearing loss and discuss various options with the patient, including potential benefits and drawbacks of hearing aids.
C. Hearing loss that develops gradually over time is usually related to aging, not an infection. While infections can cause temporary hearing loss, age-related hearing loss is a different issue and is typically not due to an infection.
D. While some medications can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss as a side effect (a condition known as ototoxicity), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes to medication regimens.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can occur in chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys struggle to excrete potassium. However, hyperkalemia does not typically cause visible crystals on the skin. It is more associated with cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness rather than skin manifestations.
B. Sodium imbalance is common in chronic kidney disease, often leading to fluid retention and hypertension. However, excess sodium does not result in crystal formation on the skin. Sodium issues are more related to fluid balance and blood pressure, not external crystalline deposits.
C. Urea is a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins and is normally excreted by the kidneys. In chronic kidney disease, urea accumulates in the blood (uremia) because the kidneys cannot effectively filter it out. Urea can be deposited on the skin and form crystals, leading to a condition known as "uremic frost." This is often observed on the forehead or other areas of the skin and is a direct result of excess urea in the body.
D. Creatinine is another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels indicate impaired kidney function, but creatinine itself does not form visible crystals on the skin. Elevated creatinine levels are primarily used as an indicator of kidney function rather than a cause of external skin manifestations.
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.
