What does hematochezia refer to?

Hematochezia specifically refers to the passage of fresh, red blood through the anus, often in the stool or mixing with it, which is why it is associated with bloody feces. This condition typically indicates bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum.

The term itself originates from Greek, where "hemato" means blood and "chezia" refers to defecation or a bowel movement. When a patient presents with hematochezia, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to gather a detailed history and perform appropriate diagnostics to identify the source of the bleeding.

The other options describe different types of bleeding or conditions. Blood in urine is termed hematuria; vomiting blood is referred to as hematemesis, and severe bruising describes a hematoma or contusion, but none of these terms relate directly to the passage of blood through feces. Thus, the correct answer clearly captures the definition of hematochezia in a medical context.