A nurse is preparing to obtain a guaiac smear sample from a client for fecal occult blood testing. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A.
Wear sterile gloves when collecting the sample.
B.
Discard samples that contain urine.
C.
Collect three samples from a single bowel movement.
D.
Take the sample from the outer edge of formed stool.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Take the sample from the outer edge of formed stool.
Explanation:
When performing a guaiac smear test for fecal occult blood, the primary objective is to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an indicator of gastrointestinal issues, including polyps, cancers, or bleeding disorders. Understanding the correct procedure is crucial for obtaining accurate results.
Option A: Wear sterile gloves when collecting the sample.
While wearing gloves is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination, the gloves do not need to be sterile. Clean gloves are sufficient for this procedure. Therefore, this option is not the best choice.
Option B: Discard samples that contain urine.
This statement is true in practice, but it is not the most critical action during the initial collection process. If urine contaminates the sample, it can affect the test results; however, the instruction does not address how to collect the sample properly, making it less relevant.
Option C: Collect three samples from a single bowel movement.
This is incorrect because the standard practice is to collect samples from three separate bowel movements. Collecting three samples from a single bowel movement does not provide a comprehensive assessment and may not accurately reflect the client’s overall health.
Option D: Take the sample from the outer edge of formed stool.
This is the best practice. Taking a sample from the outer edge of the stool helps to ensure that the sample is representative and minimizes the risk of contamination from the interior of the stool. The outer edges are more likely to show any blood that may be present and are less likely to be contaminated with urine or other substances.
In summary, option D is the correct choice as it aligns with best practices for obtaining an accurate and reliable fecal occult blood test. This action ensures the integrity of the sample and enhances the likelihood of detecting any potential bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.