Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
Acute bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, often presenting as hematemesis or melena.
Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in plain English
The nurse's priority is maintaining the airway (especially if vomiting blood) and restoring volume with large-bore IV access and fluids. A frequent error is focusing on administering medications before ensuring the client has a patent airway and stable circulatory volume.
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