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 C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because abdominal girth can indicate the presence of fecal impaction, but it does not reflect the client's hemodynamic status or potential complications of the procedure.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bowel sounds can indicate the level of bowel motility, but they do not provide information about the client's cardiovascular or respiratory function.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because vital signs can indicate the client's baseline condition and any changes during or after the procedure. Digital removal of a fecal impaction can stimulate the vagus nerve and cause bradycardia, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because breath sounds can indicate the client's respiratory status, but they are not directly affected by the procedure. However, breath sounds should be monitored for signs of aspiration if the client receives sedation or analgesia.

A. Begin with questions that are less sensitive in nature. B. Ask questions in a vague, non-specific format. C. Get the most difficult questions over with first. D. Share personal values to put the client at ease.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is correct because beginning with questions that are less sensitive in nature can help establish rapport and trust with the client, and make the client more comfortable and willing to disclose personal information.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because asking questions in a vague, non-specific format can confuse the client and lead to inaccurate or incomplete data. The nurse should ask clear, direct, and open-ended questions that elicit relevant information.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because getting the most difficult questions over with first can make the client feel anxious, embarrassed, or defensive, and discourage further communication. The nurse should build up to the more sensitive questions gradually and respectfully.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because sharing personal values to put the client at ease can be inappropriate and unprofessional, as it may impose the nurse's beliefs or opinions on the client or create bias or judgment. The nurse should maintain a neutral and objective attitude and respect the client's values.

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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

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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?