A patient expresses concerns over having black stool. The fecal occult test is negative. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "This is probably a false negative; we should rerun the test."
b. "Do you take iron supplements?"
c. "You should schedule a colonoscopy as soon as possible."
d. "Sometimes severe stress can alter stool color."
ANS: B
Certain medications and supplements, such as iron, can alter the color of stool. The fecal occult test takes three separate samples over a period of time and is a fairly reliable test. A colonoscopy is health prevention screening that should be done every 5 to 10 years; it is not the nurse's initial priority. Stress alters GI motility and stool consistency, not color.
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The nurse researcher has been working on a research project for two years. At which point can this researcher say that the work is finished?
1. When the researcher's next study has been proposed. 2. When the financial accounting of costs has been filed. 3. When the final report has been written. 4. When the findings have been published.
When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, the nurse should be aware of which of the following?
1. Suctioning a client's tracheostomy that is less than 48 hours old requires only clean technique. 2. The wound around the tracheostomy tube should be cleaned every 48 hours. 3. Care of a client's new tracheostomy is not generally delegated to a nursing assistant. 4. The gauze dressing should be cut to fit snugly around the tracheostomy tube during the dressing change.
Percentages that estimate the probability of inferences in a study being correct are reported as
a. confidence intervals. b. standard deviations. c. percentiles. d. correlations.
A clinical specialist in gerontology accepted a position with the local health department as a community/public health nurse. What sort of assignment can the nurse expect?
A. To geriatric clients and the local senior citizen centers B. To the highest risk neighborhood in the city, because that is where the need is most acute C. To the neighborhood where the nurse lives, to reduce travel time D. Wherever the nurse wants so that the nurse will accept the position in this time of nurse shortages