Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who is undergoing diagnostic testing for suspected malabsorption. When taking this patients health history and performing the physical assessment, the nurse should recognize what finding as most consistent with this diagnosis?

A. Recurrent constipation coupled with weight loss.
B. Foul-smelling diarrhea that contains fat.
C. Fever accompanied by a rigid, tender abdomen.
D. Bloody bowel movements accompanied by fecal incontinence.

Answer 1

The nurse should recognize foul-smelling diarrhea that contains fat as the most consistent finding with suspected malabsorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient undergoing diagnostic testing for suspected malabsorption, the nurse should recognize foul-smelling diarrhea that contains fat as the most consistent finding. This is because malabsorption can occur when the body is unable to properly digest and absorb fats, leading to the presence of undigested fat in the stool.

For example, if a patient has a condition called steatorrhea, which is characterized by the passage of bulky, greasy, and foul-smelling stools, it may indicate malabsorption of fats. This malabsorption can be due to conditions such as pancreatitis, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Therefore, option B, foul-smelling diarrhea that contains fat, is the most consistent finding with suspected malabsorption.