West Coast EMT Program Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

A 67-year-old male with weakness, dizziness, and melena is suspected of experiencing which condition?

Gastrointestinal bleeding

The correct answer indicates that the 67-year-old male is suspected of experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. The symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and melena (dark, tarry stools) are highly indicative of this condition. Melena specifically suggests that there is bleeding occurring in the upper gastrointestinal tract, likely from sources such as ulcers or varices, because the blood has been digested, which changes its appearance.

Weakness and dizziness can result from significant blood loss, leading to decreased blood volume and subsequent hypovolemic shock. This is particularly relevant in elderly patients, who may have less physiological reserve to cope with acute blood loss. Recognizing these symptoms together allows for suspicions of serious conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding, which necessitate prompt medical evaluation and intervention.

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An aortic aneurysm

Acute appendicitis

Intrathoracic hemorrhaging

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