Final answer:
The nurse will explain the testing process to the patient, provide them with a test kit for stool sample collection, and ensure the proper handling and submission of the sample for laboratory analysis to detect hidden blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a patient who is to have testing for fecal occult blood will perform a few specific steps during the process. First, the nurse will explain the procedure to the patient, ensuring they understand its purpose and what to expect. Then, the nurse will provide the patient with a test card or a test kit for collecting the stool sample. Once the sample is collected, the nurse may either apply a reagent to the sample on the test card themselves or ensure that the sample is stored and sent to the laboratory in the correct conditions for further analysis. The test's aim is to detect any hidden blood in the stool, which can be an indication of various conditions including colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal infections. If blood is detected, further diagnostic procedures, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended.