A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient admitted to "rule out colon cancer." Which lab value would the nurse interpret as being consistent with colon cancer?

Choice A reason: Elevated lymphocyte count may suggest infection or inflammation but is not specific to colon cancer. Choice B reason: D-dimer is used to assess clotting disorders and is not a marker for colon cancer. Choice C reason: A low white cell count may indicate bone marrow suppression or viral infection but is not diagnostic for colon cancer. Choice D reason: A positive fecal occult blood test indicates hidden blood in the stool, which is a common early sign of colorectal cancer and warrants further investigation.