The nurse is assisting with a colorectal cancer screening using the guaiac fecal occult blood test. Place the steps for completing this test in the correct sequence. All options must be used.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c993_cdc9_b433_636ad1eaafe3_MD0009_00 The guaiac fecal occult blood test is used to assess for microscopic blood in the stool as a screening tool for colorectal cancer. The steps for collecting a sample include: Assess for recent ingestion (within last 3 days) of red meat or medications (eg, vitamin C, aspirin, anticoagulants, iron, ibuprofen, corticosteroids) that may interfere and produce false test results. Obtain supplies (Hemoccult test paper, wooden applicator, Hemoccult developer), wash hands, and apply nonsterile gloves (Option B). Open the slide's flap and use the wooden applicator to apply 2 separate stool samples to the boxes on the slide. Collect from 2 different areas of the specimen as some portions of the stool may not contain microscopic blood (Option D). Close the slide cover and allow the stool specimen to dry for 3-5 minutes. Open the back of the slide and apply 2 drops of developing solution to the boxes on the slide (Option C). Assess the color of the Hemoccult slide paper within 30-60 seconds. A positive guaiac result will turn the test paper blue, indicating presence of microscopic blood in the stool (Option E). Dispose of used gloves and the wooden applicator and perform hand hygiene. Document the results (Option A). Educational objective: The guaiac fecal occult blood test detects microscopic blood in the stool and is used to screen for colorectal cancer. A blue color on the Hemoccult slide paper within 30-60 seconds indicates a positive result.

The Nurse Is Assisting with a Colorectal Cancer Screening Using