Colorado CNA Practice Exam

What should be done if a resident's stool is black and tarry?

1. Continue monitoring the resident's bowel movements

2. Flush it immediately

3. Inform the resident’s physician or nurse

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Inform the resident’s physician or nurse

If a resident's stool is black and tarry, it could indicate the presence of blood in the stool. Informing the resident's physician or nurse is the correct course of action because this change in stool appearance may be a result of a serious medical condition that needs to be addressed promptly. Continuing to monitor the resident's bowel movements without seeking medical advice could delay necessary treatment. Flushing the stool immediately does not address the underlying cause of the black and tarry appearance and does not help in identifying and managing any potential health issues. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate action to take in this situation.