A 35-year-old patient with a history of pancreatitis reports significant weight loss and stools that appear pale, yellow, and greasy.The nurse recognizes that these findings likely indicate:

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Black tarry stools (melena) with distinct malodour indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, with blood partially digested.Black stools also occur with ingesting iron or bismuth preparations.Grey, tan stools indicate the absence of bile pigment, as in obstructive jaundice.Pale yellow, greasy stools are indicative of increased fat content (steatorrhea), as occurs with malabsorption syndrome.

A 35-Year-Old Patient with a History of Pancreatitis Reports Significant