Question

"You are responsible for conducting patient education in preparation for a three-time stool collection for occult blood. What foods should the patient avoid?"

a. Red meat
b. Dairy products
c. Canned vegetables
d. Caffeine

Answer 1

Patients preparing for occult blood tests should avoid red meat and certain raw vegetables to prevent false positives. Dairy products, canned vegetables, and caffeine are typically not associated with affecting occult blood test results.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing a patient for a stool collection for occult blood testing, it is important to provide dietary instructions to avoid false positive results. The patient should avoid certain foods that might lead to a false positive, which include:

• Red meat (as it can contain blood which might be detected in the test)
• Some raw vegetables, particularly those that are dark green or orange, as they may contain peroxidase, which can interfere with the test's accuracy.
• Excessive amounts of vitamin C, as it can potentially cause a false negative result.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: a. Red meat. While dairy products, canned vegetables, and caffeine are not typically associated with causing false positives in occult blood testing, patients should always follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider because other factors might also need to be considered based on individual health needs.