What associated symptom may occur with gastrointestinal bleeding?

Gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to a range of systemic symptoms due to the loss of blood and its effects on the body. Each of the associated symptoms listed plays a critical role in demonstrating the body's response to this condition.

Pale conjunctiva is a sign of anemia, which can result from significant blood loss. When the body loses blood, it does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen effectively, leading to paleness, particularly visible in places like the conjunctiva of the eyes.

Fatigue is another common symptom associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood loss can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, causing fatigue and weakness as the body's energy levels drop due to insufficient red blood cells.

Shortness of breath (SOB) can occur as well, particularly in cases of significant blood loss or anemia. When the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood decreases, the body may respond by increasing the respiratory rate to try and compensate for the lack of oxygen, resulting in the sensation of breathlessness.

Since all of these symptoms—pale conjunctiva, fatigue, and shortness of breath—can arise from the same underlying issue of blood loss, the correct answer encompasses all of these possible manifestations, supporting the idea that gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to a systemic