Which of the following signs may accompany upper GI bleeding due to blood loss?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Rash

Answer: (B)

When upper GI bleeding causes blood loss, the body rapidly tries to preserve tissue perfusion through compensatory mechanisms. The most common early sign is tachycardia. As circulating blood volume drops, venous return and stroke volume fall, so cardiac output tends to decrease. The body counters this by activating the sympathetic nervous system via baroreceptors, increasing heart rate and contractility to maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion. Blood pressure may stay normal initially due to vasoconstriction, but if bleeding continues, hypotension can develop.

Hypertension is not expected in this situation because the problem is diminished blood volume, not increased pressure. Hypoglycemia and rash are not typical signs of acute blood loss from upper GI bleeding.