Question

The nurse is assessing a 55-year-old patient who is in the clinic for a routine physical. When would the nurse instruct the patient about the need to obtain a stool specimen for guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT)?

Answer 1

A nurse should instruct a 55-year-old patient to get a stool specimen for gFOBT as part of the routine screening for colorectal cancer recommended for individuals over the age of 50.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should advise the 55-year-old patient to obtain a stool specimen for a guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) as part of routine screening for colorectal cancer. This test is recommended for individuals over 50 years of age to detect hidden blood in the feces, which could be an indication of colorectal cancer. Since most colon cancers start as benign polyps, early detection through screening like gFOBT is crucial for prevention and successful treatment. The nurse should inform the patient about the importance of this test, particularly if they are experiencing any symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, cramping, or abdominal pain.