The nurse is changing the diaper of a 7-month-old client suspected of having Celiac disease. The nurse observes a large, pale, oily stool that is malodorous. The nurse should document this stool as
The nurse is changing the diaper of a 7-month-old client suspected of having Celiac disease. The nurse observes a large, pale, oily stool that is malodorous. The nurse should document this stool as
A. Diarrhea
[2%]
B. Steatorrhea
[92%]
C. Hematochezia
[2%]
D. Melena
[4%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Gastrointestinal
Client Need
Test Plan
Basic Care and Comfort
Related Topic
Elimination
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Steatorrhea refers to the excretion of abnormal quantities of fecal fat due to reduced fat absorption by the intestines. This produces pale, oily, malodorous stools and is a symptom of Celiac disease. This manifestation is also found in cystic fibrosis.
Choice A is incorrect. Diarrhea refers to a condition in which feces are frequently discharged from the bowels and in a liquid form. It is not pale, oily, or malodorous stools.
Choice C is incorrect. Hematochezia is defined as the passage of fresh blood from the anus. It is a sign of lower GI tract bleeding. It is not pale, oily, or malodorous stools.
Choice D is incorrect. Melena is a condition with dark, sticky feces containing partly digested blood. Melena is a sign of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, often upper GI. Pale, oily, malodorous stools do not characterize melena; instead, it is typical with steatorrhea.
Additional Info
✓ Celiac disease is a condition where individuals cannot digest the gliadin component of gluten; an accumulation of a toxic substance occurs that damages the mucosal cells. This atrophy leads to malabsorption because of the reduced surface area.
✓ The clinical features of celiac disease include failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, abdominal distention and pain, muscle wasting, aphthous ulcers, and fatigue.
