# Review the colorectal cancer screening timeline and determine the next step after an abnormal stool-based screening result. > source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr) > url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393511&lang=en > language: en > subject: Health Screening > category: HPM ## Question Review the colorectal cancer screening timeline and determine the next step after an abnormal stool-based screening result. | Time | Data | | --- | --- | | Age 45 | Average-risk adult has no colorectal symptoms or family history. After shared decision-making, the client chooses annual FIT screening. | | Age 46 | FIT result is negative. The client plans to repeat screening at the recommended interval. | | Age 47 | FIT result is positive. The client feels well and asks to repeat the FIT instead of having colonoscopy. | Q1. How should the nurse interpret the age-47 result? A cancer diagnosis that requires treatment without further evaluation A normal result because the client has no symptoms An abnormal stool-based screen that requires diagnostic follow-up A result that can be ignored until age 50 Q2. What is the appropriate next step? Repeat FIT next week and accept a negative repeat as resolution Wait for rectal bleeding or weight loss before acting Return to routine annual FIT without discussing the positive result Coordinate follow-up colonoscopy and address preparation, transportation, and access barriers Q3. Which client statement demonstrates correct understanding? A positive FIT proves that I have colorectal cancer The positive result is not a diagnosis, but I still need the follow-up colonoscopy even without symptoms I can substitute another FIT for the recommended follow-up procedure Screening only matters when symptoms begin ## Explanation For average-risk adults, colorectal cancer screening is recommended from ages 45 through 75 using an appropriate strategy selected with the client. A positive stool-based test is not itself a cancer diagnosis, but the screening benefit depends on follow-up colonoscopy. Repeating the FIT after a positive result does not resolve the abnormal screen and can delay diagnostic evaluation. The nurse should explain the distinction between screening and diagnostic follow-up, assess barriers, coordinate colonoscopy preparation and transportation, and confirm completion and result follow-up. Absence of symptoms does not make an abnormal screen normal. ## In-depth explanation Trend to recognize The client participated in annual screening, but the pathway becomes incomplete when a positive FIT is not followed by colonoscopy. Screening rule A positive stool-based screen requires follow-up colonoscopy for the screening benefit to be achieved. Nursing role Explain that a positive FIT is not a cancer diagnosis, assess access and preparation barriers, coordinate the diagnostic procedure, and close the loop on results. Why the alternatives fail Repeating the FIT can delay needed evaluation. Waiting for symptoms undermines preventive screening because early disease may be asymptomatic. Routine annual FIT schedules apply after negative screening results, not as a substitute for follow-up of a positive result. Source 1USPSTF Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendation 22026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan ## Clinical scenario Primary care An average-risk adult chose annual fecal immunochemical testing after shared decision-making. The nurse follows the screening record across two years and addresses an abnormal result. ## Related questions - [A 76-year-old client visits the primary care clinic for an annual wellness exam. The clien…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=363451&lang=en) - [A 50-year-old male presents for a routine physical exam. 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Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._