Specimen Collection: Lesson 3 Post-Test

How many seconds after placing gastric contents on the pH paper should the results be read? 10 seconds 30 seconds 40 seconds 20 seconds

30 seconds The color of the pH test paper should be read in 30 seconds by comparing it with the pH color guide.

The nurse informs the patient the result of an occult blood test on gastric contents was negative. The patient asks what this means. The nurse's best response is: "You will need to be fasting so that we may repeat the test." "A moderate amount of blood was "hidden" in the gastric contents." "You need to discuss your aspirin consumption with your health care provider." "There was only a very small amount or no blood in the gastric secretions."

"There was only a very small amount or no blood in the gastric secretions." Occult blood negative means there was only a very small amount of blood or no blood present in the gastric secretions. A false-positive reading can occur with some foods and medications.

The nurse is verifying placement of a nasogastric tube. Which gastric pH result would indicate the tube is properly positioned? (Select all that apply.) 5.0 3.0 6.0 5.5 2.0

3.0 2.0 The normal gastric pH is 1.0 to 4.0. Intestinal contents are less acidic—above 6.0. Respiratory secretions are also more alkaline—above 5.5.

Which step would be performed first in the sequence for obtaining a Gastroccult test from an NG tube? Apply two drops of commercial developer solution over sample and one drop between positive and negative performance monitors. Observe specimen. If red blood or coffee-ground material is noted, report these findings immediately. Disconnect nasogastric tube from suction. Aspirate 5 to 10 mL with a catheter tip syringe. Apply one drop of gastric sample to Gastroccult blood test slide.

Disconnect nasogastric tube from suction. Aspirate 5 to 10 mL with a catheter tip syringe. The first step is to perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves. However, of steps listed, the first would be to disconnect the NG tube from suction and aspirate 5 to 10 mL of gastric contents from the NG tube with a catheter tip syringe.

The nurse is collecting supplies to perform a Gastroccult test. The nurse sees both Gastroccult and Hemoccult test slides. Which of the following indicates correct understanding by the nurse of the differences between Gastroccult and Hemoccult testing? (Select all that apply.) Hemoccult testing tests only for occult blood. Hemoccult testing takes longer because it is sent to the lab. Gastroccult results are unaffected by diet or medicine. There is no difference; they are the same test. Gastroccult testing tests pH and occult blood.

Hemoccult testing tests only for occult blood. Gastroccult testing tests pH and occult blood. A Gastroccult test cardboard slide is a commercially prepared kit with test paper that will allow testing for occult blood testing and pH. A Hemoccult slide tests only for occult blood. They both take the same amount of time. Certain foods and medications can affect gastroccult and hemoccult results.

Which of the following could alter gastric pH test results? Aspirin therapy Prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec) Time of day Intermittent enteral feedings

Prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec) Omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, will reduce the amount of gastric acid and may increase the pH of gastric contents. Aspirin may irritate the gastric mucosa and cause a positive Gastroccult test for occult blood, but will not alter the gastric pH. If the patient received continuous enteral feedings, this may cause a gastric pH of 5.0; however, with intermittent feedings the gastric pH will measure 1 to 4. The time of day should not alter pH test results.

The nurse is reviewing the patient's medical record to determine if there are any factors present that can cause a false-positive result for occult blood testing. The nurse would be correct to identify which of the following? (Select all that apply.) Red meats, poultry, fish Iron supplement. Spinach, collard greens Antacids (e.g., Amphojel, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia) Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin sodium, heparin)

Red meats, poultry, fish Iron supplement. Spinach, collard greens Diets rich in red meats, green leafy vegetables, poultry, and fish may produce false-positive results for occult blood testing. Iron supplements may mimic gastric bleeding causing a false-positive result. Anticoagulants, steroids, NSAIDs, and ASA commonly cause an increased bleeding tendency or irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa that could cause a positive result due to the actual presence of blood. Antacids neutralize gastric acid, elevating the gastric pH but do not cause a false-positive result for occult blood.

The nurse aspirates gastric contents and observes a "coffee ground appearance." What priority action should the nurse take? Restrict coffee from the patient's diet. Ask the patient what he recently consumed. Determine if the patient has ever had this before. Report the finding to the health care provider.

Report the finding to the health care provider. The priority is to monitor the patient for further signs of bleeding and notify the health care provider. "Coffee ground appearance" of gastric contents indicates partially digested blood.

he patient has been taking an over-the-counter acid reducer. What finding would be expected in the patient's gastric pH results? A positive result for gastroccult testing. The pH would increase. The pH would decrease. None, since this is a nonprescription medication.

The pH would increase. The pH would increase as gastric acidity is lessened. An antacid may increase the gastric pH reading, but would not cause a positive test for occult blood.

A patient just vomited and the nurse is going to test the emesis for occult blood. Which of the following may increase the likelihood of a positive Gastroccult test result? (Select all that apply.) The patient: is on a long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimen. complains of nausea. consumes carbohydrates. ten year history of steroid use. takes an iron preparation.

is on a long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimen. ten year history of steroid use. takes an iron preparation. False positive occult blood test results can occur due to certain medications (e.g., iron preparations) or foods (e.g., red meats, chicken, green leafy vegetables, fish). Some medications can irritate the gastric mucosa and cause a positive test result (e.g., aspirin, anticoagulants, steroids, NSAIDs). Carbohydrates and nausea do not increase the likelihood of a positive Gastroccult test result.