A patient expresses concerns over having black stool. The fecal occult test is negative. Which response by the nurse is $most\bold{most}$ appropriate?

A) "This is probably a false negative; we should rerun the test."
B) "You should schedule a colonoscopy as soon as possible."
C) "Are you under a lot of stress?"
D) "Do you take iron supplements?"

Question

A patient expresses concerns over having black stool. The fecal occult test is negative. Which response by the nurse is

most\bold{most}

appropriate?

A) "This is probably a false negative; we should rerun the test."
B) "You should schedule a colonoscopy as soon as possible."
C) "Are you under a lot of stress?"
D) "Do you take iron supplements?"

Kelly Viana · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Certain medications and supplements, such as iron, can alter the color of stool (black or tarry). Since the fecal occult test is negative, bleeding is not occurring. 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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