The nurse performing a fecal occult blood test should take what action?
Report a positive finding to the provider.
Don sterile disposable gloves.
Test the quality control section before testing the stool specimen.
Apply liberal amounts of stool to the guaiac paper.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Report a positive finding to the provider. A positive guaiac test indicates the presence of blood in the stool, which may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding, colorectal cancer, or other GI disorders. It must be reported for further evaluation.
B. Don sterile disposable gloves. Sterile gloves are not required. Clean gloves are sufficient because this is a non-sterile procedure.
C. Test the quality control section before testing the stool specimen. There is no quality control section on a fecal occult blood test. The test involves applying stool to a guaiac card and adding developer.
D. Apply liberal amounts of stool to the guaiac paper. Only a thin smear of stool is required; too much stool may interfere with accurate test results.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Parasites: Stool tests for parasites require ova and parasite (O&P) testing, not a guaiac test.
B. Bacteria: Detecting bacteria (e.g., C. difficile, Salmonella) requires a stool culture, not a guaiac test.
C. Steatorrhea: Fecal fat tests, not guaiac tests, detect steatorrhea (fat malabsorption).
D. Blood: The guaiac test (fecal occult blood test, FOBT) detects hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate colorectal cancer, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abdominal distention. Distention is more indicative of a paralytic ileus or gas buildup, not return of peristalsis.
B. Request for a cup of tea and some toast. While appetite may return as peristalsis resumes, it is not a definitive sign.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds in two quadrants. Hypoactive sounds suggest minimal bowel activity, not full peristalsis.
D. Passage of flatus. Passing gas is a key sign that peristalsis is returning postoperatively.
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