Upper GI bleeds - Thackeray

Question 1

Initial Assessment and Resuscitation in GI bleeds

what 3 things should you do?

Answer 1

ABC’s - airway, breathing, circulation
IV access - 2 IV’s incase one fails
Infusion - crystalloid first, blood products later

Question 2

Presentation of Varicies

Answer 2

Tons of bleeding and hematemesis

Question 3

Biggest cause of Varicies

Answer 3

portal hypertension, from liver cirrhosis

Question 4

Treatment for varicies

Answer 4

octreotide/vasopressin to lower portal pressures
PPI to stop irritation from acid
Beta blocker - decrease portal pressure as outpatient treatment
band ligation - emergent treatment
surgical shunt - decrease pressures