Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which type of gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common?

1. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding

2. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

3. Pancreatic bleeding

4. Ruptured spleen

The correct answer is: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is considered the most common type of gastrointestinal bleeding. This can often be attributed to various conditions, such as peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, and gastritis, which frequently lead to bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and duodenum. The clinical significance of upper gastrointestinal bleeding lies in its potential severity; it may present with significant hematemesis (vomiting of blood) or melena (black, tarry stools), indicating the need for prompt evaluation and management. The prevalence of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatic bleeding, and ruptured spleen, while serious, is generally less common in comparison to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, making upper gastrointestinal sources a key focus for risk assessment and intervention in clinical practice.