A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about fecal occult blood testing with include in the teaching?
A.
Discontinue supplements containing vitamin C 24 hr. before the test
B.
Refrain from consuming pork 7 days before the test.
C.
Place a thick layer of stool on the specimen card.
D.
Urinate prior to collecting the stool specimen
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Discontinue supplements containing vitamin C 24 hr. before the test.
Explanation:
Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is a diagnostic test used to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an indicator of various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Proper preparation and adherence to guidelines are crucial for ensuring accurate results.
Discontinuing Vitamin C Supplements:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can interfere with the chemical reactions used in some FOBT methods. Specifically, high doses of vitamin C can cause false-negative results by inhibiting the chemical reaction that detects blood in the stool. This is why it’s essential for patients to avoid vitamin C supplements (and in some cases, foods high in vitamin C) for at least 24 hours before taking the test. This precaution helps to ensure the test’s accuracy and reliability.
Other Options Explained:
- Refrain from consuming pork 7 days before the test:
This is not a requirement for FOBT. While it might be relevant for other types of tests, such as tests for certain types of food sensitivities or infections, pork consumption is not known to interfere with the results of a fecal occult blood test. - Place a thick layer of stool on the specimen card:
Placing a thick layer of stool on the specimen card is not necessary and may even be counterproductive. Most FOBT kits come with specific instructions on how to collect and apply stool samples, which generally involve placing a small, thin layer of stool on the card. Over-applying stool can lead to inaccurate results or make the test invalid. - Urinate prior to collecting the stool specimen:
While it is good practice to ensure the specimen is collected without contamination, urinating before stool collection is not directly related to the accuracy of the fecal occult blood test. The main focus should be on avoiding contamination of the stool sample with urine or other substances.
In summary, discontinuing vitamin C supplements is a critical step to ensure the accuracy of the FOBT. Proper preparation helps avoid false results and ensures that any underlying conditions can be accurately detected and addressed.