Gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper: hematemesis of bright red blood or coffee-ground material, melena (black tarry stool), rising urea with normal creatinine because blood is digested as protein. Lower: bright red blood per rectum, hematochezia. Cirrhosis with varices bleeds fast and massively. Priorities: large-bore IV access times two, type and screen, fluids, monitor, keep NPO, position on the side if vomiting, and watch for compensated shock before the blood pressure falls.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse