Question

The first priority of the patient with upper GI bleeding is to:

A) Administer pain medication
B) Initiate fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion if necessary
C) Schedule an immediate endoscopy
D) Encourage the patient to eat a regular diet.

Answer 1

The first priority for a patient with upper GI bleeding is to start fluid resuscitation and possibly blood transfusions to stabilize the patient's condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first priority of the patient with upper GI bleeding is to initiate fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion if necessary. This action is critical in stabilizing the patient by replacing lost blood volume and ensuring adequate circulation of blood to vital organs. Scheduling an immediate endoscopy may help to diagnose and treat the source of bleeding, but it is not the first step in emergency treatment. Giving pain medication may be a part of the treatment after initial stabilization, and while encouraging a regular diet is important for recovery, it is not appropriate when a patient is actively bleeding. Severe upper GI bleeding can lead to shock and necessitate prompt medical attention.