A nurse is assessing a patient suspected of an upper GI bleed. Which test should be used first to evaluate the patient's GI bleed?

Explanation

• Hemoglobin and hematocrit are used to evaluate the severity of blood loss. This test is quick and inexpensive. Therefore, it is often the first test performed

• Endoscopy should be done after other assessment data has confirmed the likelihood of a GI bleed. Endoscopy will directly visualize the source of bleeding and stop it

• A WBC count and PT/INR can be done to evaluate the patient's infection and coagulation status

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