Upper GI bleed
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
GI / Liver / Pancreashigh priorityneeds review
Upper GI bleed
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Ulcer, varices, gastritis, Mallory-Weiss tear, or medication-related bleeding.
- Blood loss into upper GI tract causes hypovolemia and anemia risk.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| GI acid reducers | Used in many upper GI bleed protocols. |
Nursing actions
- Assess airway, circulation, orthostatic symptoms, emesis, stool, and vital signs.
- Maintain IV access and prepare fluids/blood/endoscopy pathway as ordered.
- Hold anticoagulants/NSAIDs only per provider order and clarify unsafe meds.
Complications
- Shock
- Aspiration
- Anemia
- Rebleeding
NCLEX cues
- Hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, melena.
- Circulation priority.
Memory hooks
- GI bleed priority is perfusion.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Hgb/Hct
- BUN may rise
- PT/INR if anticoagulated
- Type and screen
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.