Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

Black, tarry stools are medically referred to as what?

1. Dysphagia

2. Emesis

3. Melena

4. Diarrhea

The correct answer is: Melena

Black, tarry stools are medically referred to as melena, which indicates the presence of digested blood in the stool. This condition often occurs due to bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, where the blood has been partially digested as it passes through the intestines, resulting in a characteristic dark color. Understanding this term is essential in medical contexts as it can be an important indicator of serious conditions, such as ulcers or varices in the esophagus. Recognizing melena is crucial for healthcare providers to initiate appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures to address possible underlying causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. The other terms refer to different medical issues: dysphagia pertains to difficulty swallowing, emesis refers to vomiting, and diarrhea describes an increase in the frequency of stools that are often liquid in consistency. Each of these conditions involves different bodily functions and presentations that are distinct from melena.