Question

A 52-year-old man presents with haematemesis and melaena. He is pale, tachycardic at 120 beats/min, blood pressure 85/50 mmHg and confused. What is the single most important immediate management step?

Accepted Answer

Resuscitate with ABCDE approach and give intravenous crystalloids

Answer

Urgent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Answer

Start intravenous omeprazole infusion

Answer

Arrange urgent CT abdomen

Answer

Give oral iron therapy

Practice question

A 52-year-old man presents with haematemesis and melaena. He is pale, tachycardic at 120 beats/min, blood pressure 85/50 mmHg and confused. What is the single most important immediate management step?