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 A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is correct because this response invites the client to express her feelings and thoughts without imposing any assumptions or judgments. It also conveys empathy and respect for the client's autonomy.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this response makes an inference about the client's emotional state without validating it with her. It also may sound patronizing or pitying, which can hinder rapport.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this response may be perceived as intrusive or prying, especially if the client is not ready or willing to share details about her personal relationship. It also may trigger negative emotions or memories that can worsen her mood.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because this response may be seen as superficial or irrelevant, especially if the client did not enjoy her visit or had a conflict with her significant other. It also may imply that the nurse is avoiding or dismissing the client's current feelings.

A. Notify the healthcare provider. B. Document the event on the chart. C. Complete an incident report. D. Inform the nurse on the next shift.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Notify the healthcare provider is the correct action because it is the nurse's responsibility to report any medication errors or adverse reactions to the prescriber as soon as possible.

Choice B: Document the event on the chart is not the next action because it should be done after notifying the healthcare provider and completing an incident report.

Choice C: Complete an incident report is not the next action because it should be done after notifying the healthcare provider and before documenting the event on the chart.

Choice D: Inform the nurse on the next shift is not the next action because it should be done after documenting the event on the chart and during handoff.

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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?

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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?