GI bleed, bowel obstruction, and liver disease nursing assessment priorities and interventions.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the hallmark symptom of an upper GI bleed involving vomited blood?
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Hematemesis- What does melena look like?
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Black, tarry, foul-smelling stool- What term describes bright red blood passed rectally?
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Hematochezia- In a patient with active GI bleeding, what is the nurse's first priority?
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Assess airway, breathing, circulation, and hemodynamic status- Which two vital sign changes suggest hypovolemic shock in a GI bleed patient?
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Tachycardia and hypotension- How should a vomiting patient with an active GI bleed be positioned?
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On their side (lateral position) to prevent aspiration- What type of IV access should be established for a patient with active GI bleeding?
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Two large-bore IV catheters- Which lab values does the nurse trend to monitor ongoing blood loss in a GI bleed?
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Hemoglobin and hematocrit- Why is BUN often elevated in an upper GI bleed?
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Digested blood protein in the GI tract is broken down and absorbed as urea- What is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding?
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Peptic ulcer disease- Which class of medications should be avoided in patients with a history of GI bleeding?
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NSAIDs- What diagnostic procedure is used to visualize and identify the source of an upper GI bleed?
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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)- What should the nurse ensure before a scheduled endoscopy?
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The patient is NPO (nothing by mouth)- Bleeding esophageal varices are most often associated with which underlying condition?
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Cirrhosis of the liver- Esophageal varices are dilated veins in the esophagus caused by ____ and can rupture, causing life-threatening hemorrhage.
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portal hypertension
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