« previous next »

Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient with abdominal pain. While obtaining a stool specimen for occult ... (Read 185 times)

DyllonKazuo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 565
on: Jul 22, 2018
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

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 319
Reply #1 on: Jul 22, 2018
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.


Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
« previous next »
 

Did you know?

Blood is approximately twice as thick as water because of the cells and other components found in it.

Did you know?

In ancient Rome, many of the richer people in the population had lead-induced gout. The reason for this is unclear. Lead poisoning has also been linked to madness.

Did you know?

The use of salicylates dates back 2,500 years to Hippocrates's recommendation of willow bark (from which a salicylate is derived) as an aid to the pains of childbirth. However, overdosage of salicylates can harm body fluids, electrolytes, the CNS, the GI tract, the ears, the lungs, the blood, the liver, and the kidneys and cause coma or death.

Did you know?

Certain rare plants containing cyanide include apricot pits and a type of potato called cassava. Fortunately, only chronic or massive ingestion of any of these plants can lead to serious poisoning.

Did you know?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, more than 50 million Americans have some kind of food allergy. Food allergies affect between 4 and 6% of children, and 4% of adults, according to the CDC. The most common food allergies include shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.

The nurse can make observations about the patient's general appearance while talking with the p The nurse can make observations about the patient's general appearance while talking with the p
Taking a Patient’s Temperature with a Tympanic Thermometer Taking a Patient’s Temperature with a Tympanic Thermometer
The “Flat Head” (Chinook) Indians acquired their name through shaping in infancy, as shown in a diag The “Flat Head” (Chinook) Indians acquired their name through shaping in infancy, as shown in a diag
Reputable Websites for Patient Education Cont. Reputable Websites for Patient Education Cont.
Examples of endocrine disorders. (A) A patient with exophthalmos, a symptom of hyperthyroidism ... Examples of endocrine disorders. (A) A patient with exophthalmos, a symptom of hyperthyroidism ...
Video: Kidney Stones

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library