Question

The patient is admitted with generalized fatigue and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The patient denies vomiting and states that the last bowel movement earlier that day was normal in color and consistency. However, because GI blood loss can be a cause of anemia, the nurse should expect to

a.obtain a stool sample for guaiac testing.
b.chart that the patient reports the presence of melena in his stool.
c.inspect the patient's next stool for the presence of coffee-ground contents.
d.obtain guaiac positive stools only if bleeding is current.

Answer 1

The nurse should obtain a stool sample for guaiac testing to check for the presence of blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should expect to a. obtain a stool sample for guaiac testing. GI blood loss can be a cause of anemia, so obtaining a stool sample to check for the presence of blood is important.