A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with large-volume haematemesis and melena. He is pale, diaphoretic and hypotensive at 85/50 mmH...

Question

A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with large-volume haematemesis and melena. He is pale, diaphoretic and hypotensive at 85/50 mmHg with a pulse of 120 beats/min. What is the single most important initial management priority?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive intravenous crystalloid resuscitation and blood product preparation

Answer

Arrange urgent upper endoscopy

Answer

Give high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitor

Answer

Insert a nasogastric tube for lavage

Answer

Administer octreotide infusion

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department with large-volume haematemesis and melena. He is pale, diaphoretic and hypotensive at 85/50 mmHg with a pulse of 120 beats/min. What is the single most important initial management priority?