Which finding indicates a gastrointestinal bleed?

Which finding indicates a gastrointestinal bleed?

• A. Productive cough
• B. Vomiting blood or melena
• C. Visual disturbance
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (B)

Spotting blood loss from the digestive tract. The symptom that most clearly indicates a gastrointestinal bleed is vomiting blood or melena. Vomiting blood (hematemesis) shows that bleeding is occurring somewhere in the upper GI tract or esophagus. Melena, which is the passage of dark, tarry stools, means blood has been digested as it moved through the GI tract and typically points to an internal bleed that has been present for a while. Both findings are direct evidence of GI bleeding and require urgent evaluation and transport. The other options don’t fit as GI-bleed signs: a productive cough points to a respiratory issue, a visual disturbance could result from many causes such as dizziness or hypoperfusion but isn’t itself a GI bleed sign, and weight gain suggests fluid retention or other problems rather than acute GI bleeding. In a patient with suspected GI bleed, prioritize airway and circulation, monitor vitals, and arrange rapid transport for definitive care.

Spotting blood loss from the digestive tract. The symptom that most clearly indicates a gastrointestinal bleed is vomiting blood or melena. Vomiting blood (hematemesis) shows that bleeding is occurring somewhere in the upper GI tract or esophagus. Melena, which is the passage of dark, tarry stools, means blood has been digested as it moved through the GI tract and typically points to an internal bleed that has been present for a while. Both findings are direct evidence of GI bleeding and require urgent evaluation and transport.

The other options don’t fit as GI-bleed signs: a productive cough points to a respiratory issue, a visual disturbance could result from many causes such as dizziness or hypoperfusion but isn’t itself a GI bleed sign, and weight gain suggests fluid retention or other problems rather than acute GI bleeding. In a patient with suspected GI bleed, prioritize airway and circulation, monitor vitals, and arrange rapid transport for definitive care.