[Expert Solution]: A 73-year-old man presents to the emergency…

A 73-year-old man presents to the emergency center after having had eight bloody bowel movements during the previous day. The patient described that his symptoms began with the urge to defecate, followed shortly by several voluminous bowel movements containing maroon-colored stool mixed with blood clots. Following these events, the patient felt light-headed and only felt better after lying down in his bed. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus. His surgical history is significant for having had a right knee replacement for severe degenerative joint disease 2 years ago. He denies any prior history of GI bleeding episodes. His current medications include a diuretic for hypertension and an oral medication for glycemic control. His blood pressure is 100/80 mm Hg, pulse is 114 beats/minute, and respiratory rate is 22 breaths/minute. His abdomen is nontender and nondistended. The rectal examination revealed no rectal masses and a large amount of maroon colored stool in the rectal vault. >>> What is your next step? >> What are some important goals in the management of this patient? >> What are the major causes associated with this process?