Question

List three things the patient should avoid before having a hem-occult test performed.

A. Avoiding heavy exercise, spicy foods, and red meat
B. Refraining from alcohol, caffeine, and vitamin C
C. Steering clear of high-fiber foods, raw vegetables, and iron supplements
D. Avoiding dairy products, processed foods, and carbonated beverages

Answer 1

The correct option is (A). For a hem-occult test, patients should avoid heavy exercise, spicy foods, and red meat to prevent false positive results. Other iron-rich foods such as legumes and spinach do not impact the test in the same way and should be consumed as usual.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing for a hem-occult test, which is used to detect blood in the stool, certain foods and supplements should be avoided as they can interfere with the results. The correct answer to the question is: A. Avoiding heavy exercise, spicy foods, and red meat.

Reasoning behind the avoidance is as follows:

• Heavy Exercise: This can cause gastrointestinal bleeding which could lead to a false positive on the test.
• Spicy Foods: These can sometimes irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding and thus, a potential false positive result.
• Red Meat: As it contains blood, it has the potential to contribute to a false positive because the test detects the presence of blood.

Potential sources of iron such as legumes and spinach should be consumed normally unless your doctor advises otherwise, as they don't have the same impact on the test as red meat does. On the contrary, a diet including green leafy vegetables should be maintained for their health benefits, unless specified by your healthcare provider.