Word parts
hemat/o blood-chezia passing stool
What it means
Red blood from the rectum usually comes from the lower bowel, such as hemorrhoids, a tear, diverticular disease, polyps or cancer. Very fast bleeding higher up can also cause it. It differs from melena, which is black, tarry stool from blood that has been digested.
For the nurse
Note the amount and color, check vital signs and the hemoglobin, and report it. Heavy bleeding with a fast pulse or low blood pressure is an emergency.
At a glance
| Spanish | hematoquecia |
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Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
polyp
A growth that sticks out from the lining of a hollow organ, such as the colon, nose or uterus.
colon cancer
Cancer that starts in the colon, the main part of the large intestine.