RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 238 of 2368

A client reports black, sticky stools that look like tar. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Document it as a normal variation in stool color
  2. Teach the client to increase fluids and fiber
  3. Report the finding to the provider because it may indicate upper GI bleeding
  4. Reassure the client that the finding is caused by diet only
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Correct answer: Report the finding to the provider because it may indicate upper GI bleeding

Tarry stools (melena) are typically caused by bleeding in the upper GI tract and should always be reported.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Elimination: Gastrointestinal System. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026