ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2024 Related

Review ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2024 related questions and content

A patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Which of the following would immediately alert the healthcare provider that the patient has bleeding from the GI tract?

  • A. Complete blood count
  • B. Guaiac test
  • C. Vital signs
  • D. Abdominal girth
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A positive guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, suggesting bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rapid screening test that can provide immediate information to the healthcare provider about possible gastrointestinal bleeding in patients presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.