A nurse is caring for a client who has anemia and is being evaluated to determine the cause. The nurse has an order for a guaiac stool test. The nurse understands the purpose of the test is to check the stool for which of the following substances?

Choice A reason:

Avoiding smoking and exposure to strong odors is essential for maintaining the senses of taste and smell. Smoking and strong odors can damage sensory receptors and impair these senses. By avoiding these harmful factors, individuals can help preserve their ability to taste and smell.

Choice B reason:

Brushing your teeth twice per day is important for dental hygiene but does not directly address maintaining taste and smell. While oral hygiene can contribute to a healthy mouth, it does not significantly impact the sensory receptors for taste and smell.

Choice C reason:

Seeing your dentist every 2 years is insufficient for regular dental care, as most recommendations suggest biannual visits. Moreover, it does not directly correlate with maintaining taste and smell. Regular dental check-ups help maintain oral health, but they are not a primary factor in preserving taste and smell.

Choice D reason:

Using salt sparingly on foods is beneficial for overall health, particularly in managing blood pressure, but it does not directly address maintaining taste and smell. This advice is more relevant to dietary management rather than sensory preservation.

Choice A reason: Bradycardia is not typically associated with gastrointestinal perforation. While changes in heart rate can occur with severe pain or shock, it is not a primary indicator of perforation in peptic ulcer disease.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. Sudden abdominal pain, especially if severe and accompanied by signs of peritonitis, is a key indicator of gastrointestinal perforation. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious complications.

Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with other gastrointestinal conditions, such as obstruction or gastroenteritis. In the case of perforation, bowel sounds may actually be diminished or absent.

Choice D reason: Increased blood pressure might occur as a response to severe pain or stress but is not a specific indicator of gastrointestinal perforation. The focus should be on abdominal symptoms and signs of acute abdomen.