Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
A client is admitted for observation with reports of progressively increasing fatigue over the past month and a brief episode of dizziness that occurred today. The client has a history of heartburn and indigestion that is self-treated with ibuprofen and antacids. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider? Reference Range: Guaiac stool [negative] Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)] Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)] Gastric Acid pH [1.5 to 3.5]
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Positive guaiac indicates occult blood, suggesting GI bleeding possibly from ibuprofen. This requires immediate reporting given fatigue and dizziness. Normal hematocrit, gastric pH, and mild anemia are less urgent.