The nurse is caring for several patients. Of the following patients, which symptom would suggest to the nurse that the patient is experiencing a lower gastrointestinal bleed?
1. black, tarry stools
2. bloody diarrhea
3. bright red blood emesis
4. dark brown stools with a positive guaiac test
2
Rationale: Bloody diarrhea or hematochezia is the most common sign of a lower gastrointestinal bleed. Black tarry stools or melena is more indicative of an upper gastrointestinal bleed. Bright red bloody emesis or hematemesis is more indicative of an upper gastrointestinal bleed. Occult blood indicates that there is bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
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