How does a nurse detect melena in a client?

Detecting melena involves checking a client’s stool for blood. Melena refers to dark, tarry stools that are indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, primarily from the stomach or duodenum. This characteristic coloration occurs due to the digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines. A nurse will typically perform a stool test, often using a guaiac test, to identify the presence of blood, which would confirm melena.

The other options do not provide a direct method for detecting melena. Testing urine for blood is related to assessing kidney function or urinary tract issues, checking skin for bruising focuses more on possible bleeding disorders or trauma, and reviewing vital signs is important for overall patient assessment but does not specifically indicate the presence of blood in the stool. Thus, evaluating the stool directly is the most accurate approach to detect melena.