A 59-year-old patient with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted for hematemesis. On physical examination, you note ascites and caput medusa. A likely cause for the hematemesis is:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of ascites and caput medusa in a patient with a history of alcohol abuse suggests portal hypertension, which is commonly associated with esophageal varices. Esophageal varices can rupture and lead to hematemesis.

A 59-Year-Old Patient with a History of Alcohol Abuse Is