How do you assess for GI bleed?

How do you assess for GI bleed?

Diagnosis

1. Blood tests. You may need a complete blood count, a test to see how fast your blood clots, a platelet count and liver function tests.
2. Stool tests.
3. Nasogastric lavage.
4. Upper endoscopy.
5. Colonoscopy.
6. Capsule endoscopy.
7. Flexible sigmoidoscopy.
8. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy.

How is lower GI bleeding diagnosed?

Colonoscopy and CT angiogram are the two diagnostic tools of choice for evaluation of acute lower GI bleeding[15]. The American College of Gastroenterology guidelines suggest that colonoscopy should be the first-line diagnostic modality for evaluation and treatment of lower GI bleeding[20].

What is the most common cause of lower GI bleeding?

Colonic diverticulosis continues to be the most common cause, accounting for about 30 % of lower GI bleeding cases requiring hospitalization. Internal hemorrhoids are the second-most common cause.

What should the teaching plan be for a patient with a GI bleed?

Eat small meals more often while your digestive system heals. Avoid or limit caffeine and spicy foods. Also avoid foods that cause heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea.

What is the difference between upper and lower GI bleeding?

Upper GI bleeding: The upper GI tract includes the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Lower GI bleeding: The lower GI tract includes much of the small intestine, large intestine or bowels, rectum, and anus.

What diagnostics and labs are used in determining upper and lower GI bleeding?

Doctors most often use upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy to test for acute GI bleeding in the upper and lower GI tracts. Upper GI endoscopy. In an upper GI endoscopy, your doctor feeds an endoscope down your esophagus and into your stomach and duodenum.

What is the lower GI?

What is the lower GI tract? The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the last part of the digestive tract. The lower GI tract consists of the large intestine and the anus. The anus is a 1-inch opening at the end of your digestive tract through which stool leaves your body.

What is the commonest cause of lower GI bleeding in the elderly?

Diverticulosis Coli Diverticular disease is the most common cause of lower GI bleeding, with an incidence ranging from 15-48% of patients with lower GI bleeding, depending upon the series.

What are the risk factors for GI bleed?

Risk factors that may lead to GI bleeding include:

• Chronic vomiting.
• Alcoholism.
• Medications, including but not limited to. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs); commonly used NSAIDs include. Aspirin. Ibuprofen (Advil) Naproxen (Aleve) Anticoagulants.
• Gastrointestinal surgery.

What are complications of a GI bleed?

Complications of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headaches, shortness of breath, and lack of mental clarity. Hypovolemia — In cases of severe blood loss due to an acute GI bleed, a person’s heart may have difficulty pumping enough blood throughout the body.

What is the difference between an upper GI bleed and a lower GI bleed?

What is the difference between upper GI and lower GI?

An “upper GI test” examines your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). A “lower GI test” examines the lower part of your small intestine (ileum) and your large intestine, including your colon and rectum.

What is lower GI bleeding from the colon?

Definition Lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is defined as bleeding from a source distal to the Ligament of Treitz, most commonly, the colon. Melena (the passage of black, tarry stools per rectum) is often associated with an upper GI but can occur in patients bleeding from a small bowel or proximal right colon source.

What should be included in the initial assessment of GI bleeding?

Initial Assessment and Management Patients presenting with GI bleeding should undergo a directed history and physical examination to look for clues that suggest whether the bleeding source is in the upper tract, colon, or possibly the small bowel, as well as a possible etiology for the hemorrhage.

What are the signs and symptoms of upper GI bleeding?

The manner in which the patient with bleeding presents can also suggest potential etiologies. Bright red blood is more often seen from ano-rectal and distal colonic sources, but brisk upper GI bleeding can also manifest this way. Painless severe bleeding with clots is more common with diverticular hemorrhage.

How is lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding (gut) diagnosed?

Diagnostic evaluation of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding should begin with placement of a nasogastric tube to exclude an upper gastrointestinal source. If there is any suspicion of an upper gastrointestinal tract source, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be performed.