Correct!
1. Abdominal CT scan
Of the choices listed an abdominal CT scan is most appropriate. Despite the presence of esophageal varices, the lack of bloody drainage from the NG tube makes an upper GI bleed less likely. A barium enema is not appropriate in this clinical situation since performance in a severely ill patient is problematic and it takes preparation. A more rapid diagnosis in this severely ill patient is needed.
An abdominal CT scan was performed (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Representative image from the abdominal CT scan.
Which of the following is the most like cause of her overall clinical picture? (Click on the correct answer to move to the fifth of six pages)