Question

A 62-year-old man with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents with melena and dizziness. Vitals: BP 86/54 mm Hg, HR 118 beats/min, RR 20 breaths/min. He is pale and clammy. Which initial step is most appropriate in managing suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive intravenous crystalloid resuscitation and rapid bloodwork with cross-match

Answer

Urgent upper endoscopy before any resuscitation

Answer

High-dose proton pump inhibitor infusion without IV access

Answer

Immediate surgery without endoscopy

Answer

Oral proton pump inhibitor and observation in clinic

Practice question

A 62-year-old man with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents with melena and dizziness. Vitals: BP 86/54 mm Hg, HR 118 beats/min, RR 20 breaths/min. He is pale and clammy. Which initial step is most appropriate in managing suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding?