Gastrointestinal bleeding

Topic: Medical-surgical

Bleeding anywhere in the digestive tract. Upper GI bleeding, from a peptic ulcer, esophageal varices or gastritis, shows as hematemesis (bright red or coffee-ground) or melena (black, tarry stool); lower GI bleeding, from diverticula, tumors, hemorrhoids or colitis, usually shows as red or maroon blood from the rectum. Brisk bleeding causes tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, pallor, falling hemoglobin and shock. Monitor vital signs and stools, start two large-bore IV lines, send blood for type and crossmatch, and give fluids and blood as ordered.

Also known as:

GI bleeding, Upper GI bleeding, Lower GI bleeding, Melena, Hematemesis, Hematochezia

In Turkish:

Gastrointestinal kanama