section name header

Introduction ⬇

The mucosa of the colon secretes mucus in response to parasympathetic stimulation. Recognizable mucus in a stool specimen is abnormal and should be reported and recorded.

Normal Findings ⬆ ⬇

Qualitative: negative for mucus

Procedure ⬆ ⬇

Collect a random, fresh stool specimen following the procedure for Collection and Transport of Random Specimens. Observe standard precautions. Observe and report findings of mucus.

Clinical Implications ⬆ ⬇

  1. Translucent gelatinous mucus clinging to the surface of formed stool occurs in the following conditions:

    1. Spastic constipation

    2. Mucous colitis

    3. Emotionally affected patients

    4. Excessive straining to defecate

  2. Bloody mucus clinging to the feces suggests the following conditions:

    1. Neoplasm

    2. Inflammation of the rectal canal

  3. With villous adenoma of the colon, copious quantities of mucus may be passed (up to 3–4 L in 
24 hours).

  4. Mucus and diarrhea with white and red blood cells is associated with the following conditions:

    1. Ulcerative colitis (Shigella)

    2. Bacillary dysentery (Salmonella)

    3. Ulcerating cancer of colon

    4. Acute diverticulitis

    5. Intestinal tuberculosis

    6. Regional enteritis

    7. Amebiasis (infection caused by an amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica)

Interventions ⬆

Pretest Patient Care

  1. Explain purpose of test and procedure for stool collection.

  2. Advise the patient to avoid barium procedures and laxatives for 1 week before stool specimen collection.

  3. Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed pretest care.

Posttest Patient Care

  1. Report and record presence, type, and amount of mucus. Modify the nursing care plan as needed.

  2. Counsel the patient appropriately. Monitor bowel habits. Explain that further testing and follow-up monitoring may be necessary.

  3. Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed posttest care.