Question

The nurse wants to assess the patient for factors that may place the patient at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Which of the following would increase the patient's potential for having a positive Hemoccult test? (Select all that apply.)

A) Anticoagulants (Lovenox, Heparin, Coumadin)
B) Long-term use of steroids
C) A recent blood transfusion
D) Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
E) Antidiabetic agents (oral hypoglycemics)
F) Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

Answer 1

Factors increasing the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, thus potentially leading to a positive Hemoccult test, are anticoagulants, long-term use of steroids, long-term use of NSAIDs, and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). A recent blood transfusion and antidiabetic agents are not typically associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factors that may increase a patient's risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and thus a positive Hemoccult test include the use of certain medications and health conditions. The following are factors that would increase this risk:

• Anticoagulants such as Lovenox, Heparin, and Coumadin, which work by preventing clot formation and thus can promote bleeding.
• Long-term use of steroids, which can cause thinning of the gastrointestinal lining, leading to an increased risk of ulcers and bleeding.
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, which can cause irritation, ulceration, and bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), which also has blood-thinning effects and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Other listed options such as a recent blood transfusion or antidiabetic agents (oral hypoglycemics) do not typically increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding directly, so they would not normally result in a positive Hemoccult test.