Question

A 68-year-old man presents with melaena and lightheadedness. He is on aspirin for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. Blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, pulse 105 beats/min and Hb is 80 g/L. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Resuscitate with intravenous fluids, arrange urgent endoscopy and consider red blood cell transfusion

Answer

Arrange urgent outpatient endoscopy within 7 days

Answer

Start proton pump inhibitor therapy and discharge

Answer

Commence high-dose oral iron and review in 4 weeks

Answer

Stop aspirin and observe without further intervention

Practice question

A 68-year-old man presents with melaena and lightheadedness. He is on aspirin for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. Blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, pulse 105 beats/min and Hb is 80 g/L. What is the most appropriate initial management step?