Question

After the repeated passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools, Catherine Baldwin was diagnosed as having _______. This condition is caused by the presence of digested blood in the stools.

Answer 1

Answer: Catherine Baldwin was diagnosed as having MELENA.

Explanation: Melena can be defined as the passage of dark, tarry stools containing blood, a result of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common cause of melena is peptic ulcer disease. However, any bleeding within the upper gastrointestinal tract or the ascending colon can lead to melena.