15: GI Bleeding Flashcards
What is haematemesis?
Vomiting blood
What is malaena?
Digested blood in the faeces
Does GI bleeding cause death by itself?
No, death usually occurs due to complications like shock and sepsis
How should you assess a patient who is undergoing GI bleeding?
ABCDE
Which hormone are patients injected with in an attempt to stop bleeding?
Adrenaline
(vasoconstrictor!)
What are varices?
Abnormally dilated vessels with a torturous course
Where in the GI tract are varices found?
Oesophagus
Rectum
What commonly causes varices in the oesophagus?
Which liver disease precipitates this?
Portal hypertension
Cirrhosis
What are some complications of variceal bleeding?
Sepsis
Liver failure
Bleeders with which lifestyle should be suspected of variceal involvement?
Alcoholics
Which virus can cause liver pathology associated with varices?
Hepatitis
What ADH derivative is used to achieve haemostasis in someone with a GI bleed?
Terlipressin
Which technique involves using elastic bands to stop bleeds in the GI tract?
Ligation or banding
The TIPS technique involves drilling a hole through the liver to ___ the portal and central venous pressure.
What effect does this have on varices?
equalize
varices go down
