Gastrointestinal Tract Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Gastrointestinal Tract Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

Melena is an indication of:

  • A. upper gastrointestinal bleeding
  • B. lower gastrointestinal bleeding
  • C. both
  • D. neither
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Melena is black, tarry stool resulting from the digestion of blood in the gastrointestinal tract. This typically occurs in the upper GI tract due to the longer transit time, allowing the blood to be digested. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool or maroon-colored stool. Therefore, melena is a specific indicator of upper GI bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding, not lower GI bleeding or both.