While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, solid, and light brown.
Which action should the nurse implement?

Wait to obtain the specimen until observable blood is present.

Withhold specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed.

Obtain the specimen from the client's current bowel movement.

Contact the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because occult blood is not visible to the naked eye. Waiting for observable blood may delay diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because tarry black stool indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which may not be related to the client's condition. Occult blood can be present in any color of stool.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because the nurse should obtain the specimen from the client's current bowel movement, regardless of its color or consistency. The test for occult blood detects hemoglobin in the stool, which may indicate bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because contacting the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen is unnecessary and may waste time. The nurse should follow the protocol for stool specimen collection and report any abnormal findings to the provider.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward can help prevent aspiration by closing the airway and directing food to the back of the throat.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because raising the head of the bed to 60 degrees can help prevent aspiration by using gravity to keep food in the stomach and away from the lungs.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth can help prevent aspiration by stimulating the intact nerves and muscles that control swallowing.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding can increase the risk of aspiration by reducing the client's alertness and coordination. The UAP should feed the client when he or she is awake and responsive.

A. Reassess the client and the level of pain. B. Tell the client the medication needs more time to work. C. Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client. D. Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Reassess the client and the level of pain is the correct intervention because it helps the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and plan further actions. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain scale and check for any signs of adverse effects or complications.
Choice B: Tell the client the medication needs more time to work is not a correct intervention because it may dismiss the client’s pain and delay appropriate treatment. The nurse should acknowledge the client’s pain and explain the expected onset and duration of the medication.
Choice C: Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client is not a correct intervention because it may not be sufficient or appropriate for the client’s pain. The nurse should assess the client’s pain before delegating any nonpharmacological interventions to the UAP.
Choice D: Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths is not a correct intervention because it may not be effective or feasible for the client’s pain. The nurse should assess the client’s pain and offer other complementary therapies that are suitable and acceptable for the client.

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While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, solid, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, solid, and light brown.
Which action should the nurse implement?