While assessing a hospitalized patient who is jaundiced, the nurse notices that the patient has been incontinent of stool. The stool is loose and gray-tan in color. What does this finding indicate?

A) Occult blood
B) Inflammation
C) Absent bile pigment
D) Ingestion of iron preparations

Bile Pigment

A substance produced by the liver that helps with digestion by breaking down fats, one of the principal pigments is bilirubin.

Jaundiced

A medical condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, typically due to elevated bilirubin levels, often indicating liver dysfunction.

Gray-Tan Stool

Stool color that may indicate a lack of bile in digestive system processes, potentially signaling liver or gallbladder issues.