ECCO Gastrointestinal Disorders Practice Exam

The correct choice indicates that active bleeding is the likely issue for the patient's lethargy and hypotension in the context of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In cases of significant upper GI bleeding, patients may experience a loss of blood volume due to hemorrhage, leading to decreased perfusion and causing lethargy and hypotension. This loss of blood can result in significant physiological stress, manifesting as altered mental status (lethargy) and low blood pressure (hypotension).

While the use of octreotide is meant to help manage upper GI bleeding, particularly from conditions like variceal hemorrhage, it does not eliminate the risk of ongoing bleeding. If the source of the bleed remains active, the intervention may not be sufficient to stabilize the patient, especially in cases where the volume of blood lost exceeds the body's compensatory mechanisms. Therefore, monitoring the patient for signs of active bleeding is crucial during assessment and before any procedures like an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) are performed.

Lethargy and hypotension can be symptoms that signify the severity of bleeding rather than direct side effects of treatment or unrelated complications, making the identification of active bleeding essential for addressing the patient's urgent medical needs effectively.