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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. This indicates that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow and the initial systolic reading was inaccurate. The nurse should release the air, wait for 15 to 30 seconds, and then reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound. This will ensure a more accurate measurement of the blood pressure.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Continuing the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard will result in a lower systolic reading and a higher diastolic reading than the actual blood pressure of the client. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Repositioning the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point will not change the fact that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Inflating the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound will cause discomfort and pain to the client and may damage the blood vessels. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.
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.
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