Fundamentals of Nursing Q 464

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Which of the following is most likely to validate that a client is experiencing intestinal bleeding?

  

     A. Large quantities of fat mixed with pale yellow liquid stool

     B. Brown, formed stool

     C. Semi soft tar colored stools

     D. Narrow, pencil shaped stool

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Semi soft tar colored stools

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Blood in the upper GI tract is black and tarry. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a symptom of a disorder in the digestive tract. The blood often appears in stool or vomit but isn’t always visible, though it may cause the stool to look black or tarry. The level of bleeding can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening.

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Option A: This can be a sign of malabsorption in an infant. Malabsorption syndromes encompass numerous clinical entities that result in chronic diarrhea, abdominal distention, and failure to thrive. Clinical malabsorption can be broken down into several distinct conditions, both congenital and acquired, that affect one or more of the different steps in the intestinal hydrolysis and subsequent transport of nutrients.

Option B: Brown, formed stool is a normal stool. Anywhere between a firm and soft consistency is pretty much normal. If it sways one way or another, it could suggest some digestion or fiber issues.

Option D: Narrow, pencil-shaped stool is a characteristic of an obstructive condition of the rectum. Narrow stools that occur infrequently probably are harmless. However in some cases, narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer.

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