Hematochezia is typically associated with bleeding from which location?

• A. Upper GI tract
• B. Lower GI tract with bright red stool
• C. Esophagus
• D. Stomach

Answer: (B)

Hematochezia is the passage of fresh blood per rectum, which most often means bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract—colon or rectum. The clue here is bright red blood in the stool, signaling a distal source where the blood hasn’t had time to darken or become digested. In contrast, upper GI bleeds (stomach, esophagus) typically cause melena—black, tarry stools—or visible vomiting of blood, rather than fresh red blood in the stool. While very rapid upper GI bleeds can occasionally present with bright red stool, the classic association is a lower GI source with bright red stool.