Final answer:
Black, tarry stools are a sign indicating a bleeding ulcer and should be reported immediately, as they suggest gastrointestinal bleeding and possible peptic ulcer complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Black, tarry stools are a sign that could indicate a bleeding ulcer and should be reported
. The presence of black stools suggests that there is gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, as the blood gets digested and turns the stool black and tarry in appearance.
This sign of potential bleeding ulcer is medically known as melena, and it is a symptom that warrants immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of a peptic ulcer that has started to bleed.
Other signs of a bleeding ulcer include nausea, vomiting of blood (which may appear as coffee grounds), abdominal pain, and weight loss.
It is crucial to seek treatment as complications like deeper ulcers, more extensive tissue damage, and stomach perforation can occur if left untreated.
correct option a) Black, tarry stools