PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which condition could present with hematemesis?

1. Diverticulitis

2. Colorectal carcinoma

3. Upper GI bleed

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Upper GI bleed

Hematemesis, the vomiting of blood, is most commonly associated with conditions that cause bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An upper GI bleed can originate from sources such as peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, or gastritis, all of which are significant contributors to hematemesis. In contrast, diverticulitis primarily affects the lower GI tract and typically presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, rather than hematemesis. Colorectal carcinoma, while it can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, more often presents with symptoms like melena (black, tarry stools) or bright red blood per rectum rather than vomiting blood. Pneumonia is primarily a respiratory condition and does not lead to hematemesis, though it can cause cough that may result in blood-tinged sputum due to underlying complications. Thus, the presence of hematemesis specifically points towards an active process in the upper gastrointestinal system, making an upper GI bleed the most appropriate condition associated with this symptom.