GI bleeding Flashcards
What kind of patients are at risk for a GI bleed?
-elderly
-anticoagulant users
-NSAID users
-people with Chrons
-alcoholics
-pregnant people b/c vomiting
-people getting surgery
-people with high stress
-people with bowel obstruction or infection
Most common sources of upper GI bleeds
-gastric ulcers
-duodenal ulcers
diagnoses that can lead to a GI bleed
-Mallory Weiss tear
-angiodysplasia or AVMs
-liver failure (esophageal varices)
-cardiovascular diseases
-GI cancers
-diverticulitis
-trauma
-anemias (blood disorders)
key GI assessment findings
melena, hematochezia, “coffee-ground” emesis; pain may or may not be reported
skin assessment findings
pallor, clammy, poor turgor
neuro assessment findings
weakness, lethargy
diagnostic procedures for GI bleed
-serum lab testing
-guaiac motility studies
-endoscopic procedures
-manometry and electrophysiologic studies
nursing interventions for diagnostic procedure
-inform the primary provider or known medical conditions or abnormal lab values that may affect the procedure
-assess for adequate hydration before, during, and immediately after the procedure, and provide education about maintenance of hydration
-provide health information and procedural education to the patients and loved ones
-provide instructions about post procedure care and activity restrictions
-help the patient cope with discomfort and alleviate anxiety
gi bleeding management
-remove bleeding source if possible (medications, substances, control of comorbid conditions)
-medication management (meds: PPIs & others, transfusion when warranted, fluid management)
-management post procedure (airway integrity, post procedure dietary restrictions)
GI bleed vital signs
-BP: hypotensive
-HR tachycardia
-RR tachypnea
-temp normal unless infection
sengestaken-blakemore tube
-tube used to stop bleeding with pressure
- primary concern is airway so pt might need ventilator
