Exam Guide
Who Would Have a Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test
Health Assessment & Documentation · Question from the ATI PN Fundamentals 2023 Proctored Exam study set
Correct answer: A client who has ulcerative colitis
Why this is the answer
Ulcerative colitis causes mucosal inflammation and bleeding in the colon, resulting in occult (or grossly visible) blood in the stool.
The bigger concept
Expected-finding items connect a diagnosis to its lab picture. Ulcerative colitis inflames and ulcerates the colonic mucosa, so bleeding — occult or visible — is part of the disease. Other causes of a positive FOBT include colorectal cancer, polyps, peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, and NSAID gastritis. A positive screening result is followed by colonoscopy, and the PN/VN reports it to the RN and provider.
Related Health Assessment & Documentation practice questions
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- Pulse Oximeter Reads 88%: What to Do First
- Correct Documentation: Objective Wording
- Capillary Blood Glucose: Gloves and Puncture Site
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