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: 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.

A. Measure temperature at regular intervals. B. Assess for flushed, warm skin regularly. C. Vary sites for temperature measurement. D. Document the client's circadian rhythms.

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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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?