What is a potential risk associated with lower GI bleeds?

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can lead to several complications, and one potential risk associated with such bleeding includes the development of ileus. Ileus is a temporary reduction in intestinal motility, which can occur post-bleeding due to various factors such as inflammation, pain, or electrolyte imbalances. The presence of lower GI bleeding might cause a patient’s physical condition to worsen, making them less tolerant of activities like flying, which could exacerbate their symptoms or lead to further complications due to changes in pressure or mobility.

While this option directly correlates to a potential consequence of lower GI bleed, it is important to consider that ileus itself is often linked with decreased bowel function and can lead to abdominal distension and discomfort, complicating patient management.

In contrast, while dehydration from vomiting and metabolic alkalosis from diarrhea are possible concerns in various settings, they are not primarily associated with lower GI bleeds. Infection due to blood loss could occur, but it does not represent a direct or immediate risk stemming from the bleed itself in the context of this question. Each of these potential issues arises from different physiological processes or complications, rather than being direct risks of lower GI bleeding.