Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Related

Review Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions related questions and content

Occult fecal blood may be an indication of:

  • A. upper gastrointestinal bleeding
  • B. lower gastrointestinal bleeding
  • C. both
  • D. neither
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: both. Occult fecal blood can indicate bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding typically presents as melena (black, tarry stools), while lower gastrointestinal bleeding can manifest as occult blood in the stool. Therefore, occult fecal blood can be an indication of both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Choices A and B are incorrect because occult fecal blood is not exclusive to either upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding alone. Choice D is incorrect since occult fecal blood can indeed be an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding.