The nurse is caring for a patient with abdominal pain. While obtaining a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse notices that the specimen is black. The nurse recognizes that the color change may be the result of which of the following?

a. Absence of bile
b. Malabsorption of fat
c. Diarrhea
d. Iron supplements or GI bleeding


D
Blood in the stool or melena causes stool to turn black and sticky, hence the term tarry stools. Ingestion of iron supplements can also cause the stool to turn black. Stool that is white or clay-color is caused by the absence of bile. Stool that is oily or pale in color is caused by the malabsorption of fat. Liquid brown or yellow stool is caused by diarrhea.

Nursing

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The first Nightingale School for Nurses was founded when?

a. 1825 c. 1885 b. 1860 d. 1910

Nursing

A major flood has occurred in the community. The nurse is preparing to assist the community, and is aware that a priority is to:

1. Help prevent the spread of infection. 2. Ensure that all ordered laboratory studies are completed. 3. Provide food for the victims. 4. Provide appropriate shelter for victims.

Nursing

The nurse is preparing to start an IV in the hand of a client who has very small veins. Which actions would be useful in dilating the veins? (Select all that apply.)

1. Position the hand at heart level. 2. Stroke the vein. 3. Have the client clench and unclench the fist. 4. Slap the back of the client's hand. 5. Massage the vein.

Nursing

A woman with gestational diabetes is at increased risk of developing the following:

a. type 2 diabetes b. oligohydramnios c. uterine rupture d. post-term pregnancy

Nursing