The nurse needs to perform a bedside fecal occult blood test on a stool sample. Prior to gathering the sample, the nurse assesses for which interfering factors? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interfering factors for occult blood testing include intake of vitamin C, ingestion of foods rich in peroxidase, and ingestion of animal hemoglobin, such as large amounts of red meat, and anticoagulant use prior to obtaining stool specimen for occult blood. Anticholesterol medication and herbal cold preparations are not included. It is important to realize the test is sensitive to blood from any source.

The Nurse Needs to Perform a Bedside Fecal Occult Blood