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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a one ounce medicine cup is not precise enough to measure a 5 mL dose of viscous liquid solution. A one ounce medicine cup can hold about 30 mL of liquid, which is too large for a small dose.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a 3 mL syringe and a sterile needle is not appropriate for oral administration of medication. A needle may cause injury to the oral mucosa or the esophagus.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because a 3 mL syringe can measure a 5 mL dose of viscous liquid solution accurately and safely. A syringe can draw up the solution easily and deliver it to the mouth without spilling or dripping.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a tuberculin syringe is too small to measure a 5 mL dose of viscous liquid solution. A tuberculin syringe can hold only 1 mL of liquid, which is not enough for the required dose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because measuring temperature at regular intervals allows the nurse to monitor fever patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because assessing for flushed, warm skin regularly is not a reliable indicator of fever. Skin temperature may vary depending on environmental factors and blood flow.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because varying sites for temperature measurement may result in inaccurate readings. Different sites have different normal ranges and may be affected by external factors.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because documenting the client's circadian rhythms is not relevant to assessing fever patterns. Circadian rhythms are natural fluctuations in body functions that occur over a 24-hour cycle.
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