Question

A nurse identifies that a patient has tarry stools. Which problem should the nurse conclude that the patient is experiencing?

1) Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
2) Pancreatic dysfunction
3) Lactulose intolerance
4) Inadequate bile salts

Answer 1

Tarry stools are indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is the most likely problem the patient is experiencing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse identifies a patient with tarry stools, it is most likely suggestive of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Tarry stools, known as melena, occur due to the presence of digested blood in the stool, and they often have a distinctive foul smell and a dark, sticky appearance. This condition can be associated with various causes, but it is indicative of bleeding somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract, possibly due to ulcers, gastritis, or varices. Therefore, the correct answer is 1) Upper gastrointestinal bleeding.