While assessing a hospitalized patient who is jaundiced, the nurse notices that the patient has been incontinent of stool. The stool is loose and gray-tan in color. What does this finding indicate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of gray-tan stool indicates the absence of bile pigment, which can occur with obstructive jaundice. The ingestion of iron preparations and the presence of occult blood turn the stools to a black color. Jellylike mucus shreds mixed in the stool would indicate inflammation.

While Assessing a Hospitalized Patient Who Is Jaundiced, the Nurse