Colorado CNA Practice Exam

Stool is normally brown and soft due to the presence of bile pigments that come from the breakdown of bilirubin, a substance that results from the normal metabolism of red blood cells. As food travels through the digestive tract, it is mixed with these bile pigments and bacteria, which contributes to the characteristic brown color and soft consistency. A soft stool is typically easier to pass and indicates a healthy balance of water content and fiber within the diet.

Other colors in stool, like black and tarry, green, or orange could indicate various health issues or dietary influences. Black and tarry stool, for instance, may suggest bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while green stool could imply quick transit through the intestines or consumption of certain foods. Orange and loose stool might indicate malabsorption or might be the result of eating certain color-rich foods, but does not reflect the norm for healthy stool. Therefore, the typical appearance of stool being brown and soft is a crucial marker of digestive health.