A 67-year-old male with bloody stool, nausea and emesis; hypotension; what should you administer?

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Multiple Choice

A 67-year-old male with bloody stool, nausea and emesis; hypotension; what should you administer?

In a patient with GI bleeding who is hypotensive, the first priority is to restore circulating volume to improve tissue perfusion. This is done with an IV fluid bolus using isotonic crystalloids (such as normal saline or lactated Ringer’s). Giving fluids rapidly increases preload and cardiac output, helping to raise blood pressure and stabilize the patient while you assess ongoing blood loss and plan further steps (including potential blood transfusion). A diuretic would worsen the low-volume state, a dopamine infusion is not the initial treatment for hypovolemia, and an antiemetic helps symptoms but does not address the underlying hemodynamic instability. Start with a rapid IV fluid bolus, reassess, and escalate care as needed.

In a patient with GI bleeding who is hypotensive, the first priority is to restore circulating volume to improve tissue perfusion. This is done with an IV fluid bolus using isotonic crystalloids (such as normal saline or lactated Ringer’s). Giving fluids rapidly increases preload and cardiac output, helping to raise blood pressure and stabilize the patient while you assess ongoing blood loss and plan further steps (including potential blood transfusion). A diuretic would worsen the low-volume state, a dopamine infusion is not the initial treatment for hypovolemia, and an antiemetic helps symptoms but does not address the underlying hemodynamic instability. Start with a rapid IV fluid bolus, reassess, and escalate care as needed.

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