The nurse assesses the patient's stool after a bowel movement and notes it to be a tarry-black color. The nurse recognizes that the bleeding is likely occurring in the:
A) Lower GI tract
B) Upper GI tract
C) Esophagus
D) Anal area
Ans: B
Feedback: Blood shed in sufficient quantities in the upper GI tract will produce a tarry-black color (melena). Blood entering the lower portion of the GI tract or passing rapidly through it will appear bright or dark red. Lower rectal or anal bleeding is suspected if there is streaking of blood on the surface of the stool or if blood is noted on toilet tissue.
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