Final answer:
Black and tarry colored stools are classic symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention due to the serious nature of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Black and tarry colored stools are classic symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition can be a consequence of issues like stomach ulcers, which can bleed and mix blood with the chyme, turning stools black or dark brown when hemoglobin reacts with stomach acid. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing black, sticky feces that resemble tar, as this can be a sign of serious conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, and can lead to complications like stomach perforation if left untreated.
Other symptoms associated with gastrointestinal bleeding can include nausea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. These symptoms may also be present in other gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis, colitis, or colorectal cancer, which may also feature symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and, in some cases, potentially fatal dehydration.