A community health nurse is educating an adult client on how to perform an at-home guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) for colorectal cancer screening. Arrange the following steps for sample collection in the correct chronological order from first to last.
- 1Collect the stool specimen in a clean, dry container, avoiding contact with toilet water or urine.
- 2Open the front flap of the testing card and use the wooden applicator to obtain a small smear of the stool.
- 3Apply the stool smear thinly to the first window (Box A) on the testing card.
- 4Use a new applicator stick to collect a sample from a different area of the stool and apply it to the second window (Box B).
- 5Close the front flap of the card and place it into the designated return envelope.
Answer
The correct chronological sequence is: 1) Collect the specimen in a clean container; 2) Open the testing card and obtain a smear; 3) Apply the smear to the first window; 4) Use a new stick to sample a different area for the second window; 5) Close the card and package it for transport.
For an at-home guaiac-based fecal occult blood test, following the correct chronological sequence ensures specimen integrity and accurate screening results. The stool must first be collected cleanly without water or urine contamination. Then, the client opens the card, takes a sample, and applies it to the first window. Crucially, a second sample from a different part of the stool must then be applied to the second window to maximize the chance of detecting hidden blood. Finally, the card is sealed and packaged for transport.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) Specimen Collection
Estimated Time:1m 0s