A schoolage child has a 3month history of dull, aching epigastric pain that
worsens with eating and awakens the child from sleep. A complete blood count shows a hemoglobin of 8 mg/dL. What is the next step in management?

Question

A school­age child has a 3­month history of dull, aching epigastric pain that
worsens with eating and awakens the child from sleep. A complete blood count shows a hemoglobin of 8 mg/dL. What is the next step in management?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms and low hemoglobin suggest the possibility of a gastrointestinal bleed, which requires further evaluation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the gold standard for diagnosing the source and extent of the bleed and should be done urgently. Options A and B may provide symptomatic relief, but they do not address the underlying cause of the pain and anemia. Option C, ordering an upper GI series, is not the preferred initial test in the setting of suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.

A School­age Child Has a 3­month History of Dull, Aching

A Schoolage Child Has a 3month History of Dull, Aching