Final answer:
Painless hematochezia in toddlers is a potentially serious condition that often leads to the collection of a stool sample to identify infectious agents and to check for blood. Various tests, such as a blood test, microscopic stool examination, and stool acidity test, might be used depending on the symptoms and medical history of the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
Painless hematochezia in toddlers is a condition that may require medical attention and testing. When a toddler presents with painless hematochezia, which is the passage of fresh blood through the anus, usually in or with stools, the physician may order diagnostic procedures to uncover the underlying cause. A stool sample is often collected to identify potential causative agents, such as bacteria or parasites, and to check for the presence of blood in the stool.
Examples of infectious agents that can cause bloody stools include Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), Salmonella, and Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). For a patient suffering from chronic watery diarrhea, a blood test may be necessary to identify systemic conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms. Furthermore, a microscopic examination of stool over several days can provide valuable insight into the condition, and in certain cases, especially for small infants, stool acidity tests can be conducted to diagnose conditions like lactose intolerance.
It is essential for a physician to consider the patient's symptoms, medical history, and potential exposure to pathogens through travel or contaminated food, as these factors can influence the determination of appropriate tests and treatments.