The nurse is caring for a patient with abdominal pain. While ...

[DyllonKazuo]

The nurse is caring for a patient with abdominal pain. While obtaining a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse notices that the specimen is black. The nurse recognizes that the color change may be the result of which of the following?
 
  a. Absence of bile
  b. Malabsorption of fat
  c. Diarrhea
  d. Iron supplements or GI bleeding

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient on the GI floor who has anemia. When reviewing the patient's recent lab work, which lab test would the nurse expect to be decreased?
 
  a. Total bilirubin
  b. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
  c. Serum amylase
  d. Ova and parasites

[elyse44]

Answer to Question 1

D
Blood in the stool or melena causes stool to turn black and sticky, hence the term tarry stools. Ingestion of iron supplements can also cause the stool to turn black. Stool that is white or clay-color is caused by the absence of bile. Stool that is oily or pale in color is caused by the malabsorption of fat. Liquid brown or yellow stool is caused by diarrhea.

Answer to Question 2

B
There are no blood tests to specifically diagnose most gastrointestinal disorders, but hemoglobin and hematocrit may be done to determine if anemia from gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is present. Liver function tests such as bilirubin and serum amylase to assess for hepatobiliary diseases and pancreatitis are possible tests that may be ordered by the health care provider. A stool sample is needed to test for ova and parasites.