Recognizing Melena: What You Need to Know!

What appearance of the stool can a nurse expect in a patient with melena?

A. Black and tarry stools

B. Coffee ground appearance of the stool

C. Visually undetectable blood

D. Bright red blood in the stool

Answer:

In a patient with melena, the stool is expected to appear black and tarry due to bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

When planning care for a patient with melena, a nurse should anticipate the stool to appear black and tarry. This is because melena is a result of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract where the blood is digested before it is excreted, resulting in the dark or black color of the stool.

The tarry texture of the stool is derived from the blood undergoing a process called clotting while in the GI tract. It's crucial for nurses to be able to recognize these stool characteristics to provide appropriate care and monitor the patient's condition.

An appearance of coffee ground in the stool can also indicate upper GI bleeding, but it is usually less severe than that causing melena. Bright red blood in the stool, on the other hand, is typically associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, not melena.

If a patient presents with symptoms of melena, such as black and tarry stools, they should seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause of bleeding and receive appropriate treatment. This may involve medications, endoscopy, or surgery depending on the severity of the condition.

Early detection and intervention are essential in managing melena to prevent complications such as anemia or shock due to significant blood loss. By understanding the appearance of stool in melena, healthcare providers can provide prompt and effective care for patients experiencing this condition.