A client is to have a stool test for occult blood. The nurse is instru

A client is to have a stool test for occult blood. The nurse is instructing the nursing assistant in the correct procedure for the test. The nursing assistant is correctly informed that:

1. Sterile technique is used for collection
2. Stool should be collected over a 3-day period
3. The specimen should be kept warm
4. A 1-inch sample of formed stool is needed

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Tests performed by the laboratory for occult blood in the stool and stool cultures require only a small sample. The nurse uses clean technique to collect about 1 inch of formed stool or 15 to 30 mL of liquid stool. Unlike testing for occult blood, tests for measuring the output of fecal fat re-quire a 3- to 5-day collection of stool, and tests that measure for ova and parasites require the stool to be warm.