What does hematochezia refer to?

Hematochezia specifically refers to the passage of fresh, red blood through the anus, typically indicating bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract. This can be seen when there is a bleeding source in the colon, rectum, or anal area. The presence of bright red blood is an important clinical sign, as it can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer.

The other choices describe different stool characteristics or conditions. The passage of liquid stool relates to diarrhea, which does not necessarily signify hematochezia. Black, tarry stool, known as melena, indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to the digestion of blood, distinguishing it from hematochezia. Inflammation of the intestinal lining refers to conditions like enteritis or colitis, which might be associated with bleeding but do not define what hematochezia is.