title: Stool studies: tried, true, and new.
abstract: Much information can be obtained about a patient's gastrointestinal and overall nutritional status through stool samples. Important infectious processes and neoplastic processes are initially identified through diagnostic tests and screening of stool samples. Although in some arenas they are a source of embarrassment and distaste, the value of correctly obtained samples is unquestionable. Patient collaboration with a critical care nurse is integral to obtaining stool samples.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 305 Godchaux Hall, 461 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. mary.a.jessee@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jessee
mesh_terms: D016360:Clostridioides difficile; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007120:Immunochemistry; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017053:Infection Control; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000032:analysis; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D010196:Pancreatic Elastase