Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes hematochezia?

1. Dark fecal matter due to digestive bleeding

2. Blood in vomit

3. Bright red blood in stool

4. A bruise on the skin

The correct answer is: Bright red blood in stool

Hematochezia refers specifically to the passage of bright red blood in the stool, indicating that the bleeding is occurring in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. This presentation suggests that blood has not been significantly digested, which is why it retains its bright red color. It is often associated with conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or colorectal cancer. The other options describe different medical conditions. The first option pertains to melena, which is characterized by dark, tarry stools resulting from upper gastrointestinal bleeding where blood undergoes digestion. The second option refers to hematemesis, which is the vomiting of blood, typically indicating bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. The fourth choice describes a bruise, which is also unrelated to any gastrointestinal bleeding and instead indicates localized bleeding under the skin without any involvement of the gastrointestinal system.