Questions: The nurse notices that a patient has had a black, tarry stool. What should the nurse recognize may cause this finding? Gallbladder disease Overuse of laxatives Gastrointestinal bleeding Localized bleeding around the anus

The answer is the third one (or C): Gastrointestinal bleeding.

Explanation for each option:

1. Gallbladder disease: This condition typically causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. It does not usually result in black, tarry stools.

2. Overuse of laxatives: While overuse of laxatives can cause diarrhea and dehydration, it does not typically cause black, tarry stools. Laxatives generally affect the consistency and frequency of stools rather than their color.

3. Gastrointestinal bleeding: This is the correct answer. Black, tarry stools (known as melena) are often a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. The black color is due to the digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines.

4. Localized bleeding around the anus: This would typically cause bright red blood in the stool or on the toilet paper, not black, tarry stools. Conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures are common causes of localized bleeding around the anus.

Summary: The nurse should recognize that black, tarry stools may be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding.