G.I. Bleed

Causes

100

This is often medically necessary and can save your life but careful consideration of the many interractions in life is essential to avoid a bloody mess!

What is Coumadin.

200

OH!!! My aching joints and back! Is it time for my next dose yet? Taking too many can cause GI disturbances.

What is overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

300

I was driving along minding my business when out of nowhere a tractor trailer hit my car from behind. Although the steering airbag deployed I was injured.

What is Trauma to the abdomen.

400

I have a type A personality and developed a "nervous stomach" at age of 10. It has gotten worse over the years. I now have recurrent bouts of diarrhea that is foul smelling.

What is IBS,Crohn's Disease or Gastroenteritis and C-Diff!

500

I have consumed many beverages on a daily basis for the last 20 years.

What is alcohol.

Sign & Symptoms

100

Lately, I am not hungry. Actually I feel very uncomfortable and my pants are getting tighter.

What is bloating and abdominal tenderness (pain).

200

"I feel that I cannot catch my breath."

What is Dyspnea

300

My bowel movements look different. The color has gotten darker.

What is Melena.

400

"I can barely walk up a flight of stairs anymore. I used to run 2 miles everyday!"

What is Fatigue.

500

"I went to the doctor because I am feeling weak, lightheaded, palpitations and I feel faint". "When he took my vital signs he looked worried and sent me to the ER immediately" My Blood pressure was low, my heart rate and respirations were fast. What is beginning to happen to me?

What is Hypovolemic shock.

Diagnostics

100

This exam is quick with immediate results. It involves using a cardboard device and developer.

What is Stool for Quiac.

200

These tests take about 30 - 60 minutes to be resulted. There are 5 you must do; what are they?

What is CBC, CMP and PT;PTT;INR, liver function tests, and type and crossmatch.

300

Before you do anything you must first get this...

What is Past Medical History

400

This will take clear images of the affected system.

What is Cat Scan.

500

If all else fails I will probably go for this...

What is Endoscopy (Gastroscopy).

Treatments

100

"I can't believe they are doing this to me! I knew we should have stopped at McDonald's on the way to the ER"

What is Keep the patient NPO.

200

"Everyone looks so worried. Yes, I feel tired, weak, SOB and have no appetite. Now they are hooking me up to this machine. How will I get out of bed?"

What is Monitor the patient's hemodynamic status (BP, HR) using EKG and bedside cardiac monitoring.

300

I am worried about how I will get to the bathroom now that I am connected to this tubing.

What is Administer IV fluids.

400

Terrific, they say the pain will be relieved now and any accumulation of blood will be removed. But wait what is that large tube and where are they going to put it?

What is Insertion of Nasogastric Tube.

500

This is the only way to know how much blood I am really losing.

What is Strict Intake and Output.

Blood Products and Medications

100

This is used to make me more comfortable but it is important to make sure it will not aggravate my condition. Please do not give me a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

What is Administration of pain medicine.

200

Histamine receptor antagonists or Proton pump inhibitor.

What is Pepcid (H2 antagonists) or Protonix ( Proton Pump inhibitor)

300

They told me that if my hemoglobin and hematocrit fell below... I would need this...

What is Below 9 and 27 What is Transfusion of PRBC.

400

There are so many things the nurse needs to watch while I am receiving blood. The nurse said to let her know if I develop hives, itching but especially if I become SOB, develop a fever, have low BP. This may happen immediately or as long as 6 hours post transfusion.

What is TRALI Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury

500

Approximately 1g/dl or HCT by 3%

What is The expected rise in Hgb or HCT values after 1 unit PRBC.