The order reads to collect a stool specimen for occult blood. Which of the following is the most objective reason to collect the specimen?
A. Hemoglobin trending down
B. Patient is taking iron supplements
C. Clostridium difficile
D. Diarrhea
D. Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can result in occult blood in the stool. Therefore, collecting a stool specimen for occult blood is warranted in a patient presenting with diarrhea.