A patient with a fecal impaction has an order to remove stool ...

[CBme]

A patient with a fecal impaction has an order to remove stool digitally. In which order will the nurse perform the steps, starting with the first one?
 
  1. Obtain baseline vital signs.
  2. Apply clean gloves and lubricate.
  3. Insert index finger into the rectum.
  4. Identify patient using two identifiers.
  5. Place patient on left side in Sims' position.
  6. Massage around the feces and work down to remove.
  a. 4, 1, 5, 2, 3, 6
  b. 1, 4, 2, 5, 3, 6
  c. 4, 1, 2, 5, 3, 6
  d. 1, 4, 5, 2, 3, 6

Question 2

The nurse is performing a fecal occult blood test. Which action should the nurse take?
 
  a. Test the quality control section before testing the stool specimens.
  b. Apply liberal amounts of stool to the guaiac paper.
  c. Report a positive finding to the provider.
  d. Don sterile disposable gloves.

[Juro]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The steps for removing a fecal impaction are as follows: identify patient using two identifiers; obtain baseline vital signs; place on left side in Sims' position; apply clean gloves and lubricate; insert index finger into the rectum; and gently loosen the fecal mass by massaging around it and work the feces downward toward the end of the rectum.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Abnormal findings such as a positive test (turns blue) should be reported to the provider. A fecal occult blood test is a clean procedure; sterile gloves are not needed. A thin specimen smear is all that is required. The quality control section should be developed after it is determined whether the sample is positive or negative.

[CBme]

Excellent

[ktidd]

TYSM