The client has been admitted to an acute care unit with a diagnosis of

The client has been admitted to an acute care unit with a diagnosis of biliary disease. The nurse suspects that the feces will appear:

1. Bloody
2. Pus filled
3. Black and tarry
4. White or clay colored

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Stool that is white or clay colored indicates an absence of bile. Bloody feces is not an indication of biliary disease. Pus-filled feces indicate infection. Black or tarry feces may indicate upper gas-trointestinal (GI) bleeding or iron ingestion.