When an esophageal varice begins to bleed, there is really only one treatment option or nursing implication and that is to stop the bleeding. This can be achieved in a few different ways, but it is important to note that if the bleeding isn’t controlled quickly, the result is often shock and death. One way an esophageal bleed is managed is with placing a rubber band around the bleeding veins during an EGD procedure. Also treatment with vasoactive medication such as Vasopressin can be effective depending on the size and severity of the bleed. Another option which we see the most during spontaneous and emergent bleeds …show more content…
When looking at ischemic VS hemorrhagic GI disorders, the treatment goals are no different than what you would see in a ischemic VS hemorrhagic stroke. Looking fist at a hemorrhagic GI disorder, like esophageal varices listed above, the symptoms include those related to any bleeding issue, such as, low BP, increased HR, drop in H&H, etc. More specifically with GI related bleeding, patients can have blood in stools, blood in sputum, or vomit, GI pain, or aspiration. The treatment remains the same, stop the underlying cause. Find and stop the source of bleeding which often requires the usual interventions needed to explore the GI system. Often time’s scopes and surgeries are used to diagnose and repair hemorrhagic GI bleeds.
When it comes to ischemic GI disorders such as intestinal ischemia, the symptoms can include sudden abd pain, urgent need to have a BM, frequent forceful BM, abd tenderness or distension, bloody stool, N/V, fever, unintended weight loss, diarrhea, or bloating. Treatment options for these vary depending on the cause of the ischemia, but the key is restoring proper blood flow. They can include, anticoagulant medicine, stent, or bypass type surgery. You may also see medicines used to dilate arteries, dissolve clots, or antibiotics depending on