A Patient, Age 36, Is Admitted with Diarrhea and Dehydration

question 35

Multiple Choice

A patient, age 36, is admitted with diarrhea and dehydration. The physician has ordered several diagnostic studies of the patient's stools. When obtaining a stool specimen to be examined for ova and parasites, the nurse should

• A) use an oil retention enema to facilitate collection.
• B) refrigerate the specimen immediately.
• C) instruct the patient to obtain three different stool specimens on subsequent days.
• D) check the specimen for the presence of occult blood.

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Definitions:

Exudate

A fluid rich in protein and cellular elements that oozes out of blood vessels due to inflammation and accumulates in nearby tissues or on surface wounds.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

Hemovac System

A closed wound drainage system used postoperatively to remove fluids from a surgical site, promoting healing and preventing infection by applying gentle suction.

Vacuum

A device using suction to remove debris from floors, upholstery, and other surfaces or an area devoid of matter.