CRACKCast E218 - Gastrointestinal Bleeding

CRACKCast & Physicians as Humans on CanadiEM

Core Questions

1. Define upper gastrointestinal versus lower gastrointestinal bleeding and differentiate between the two based on anatomic location
2. Outline an approach to the history and physical examination for the patient with complaints consistent with GIB.- Box 27.3
3. List 5 causes of UGI bleeding and 5 causes of LGI bleeding- Table 27.1
4. Outline six alternative diagnoses or mimics of GI bleeding - Box 27.1
5. List five characteristics of patients with high-risk GI bleeds - Box 27.2
6. Describe an approach to ancillary testing in the patient with GI bleeding.
7. List five substances that when ingested, can result in a falsely-positive stool guaiac study
8. Outline an approach to the management of the patient with GI bleeding - Fig 27.3
9. Detail the Blatchford and Clinical Rockall Risk Scores - Tables 27.3/27.4

Wisecracks

1. Outline the three most common causes of UGIB in pediatric and adult patients.
2. Outline the three most common causes of LGIB in pediatric and adult patients.
3. What percentage of patients presenting with hematochezia actually have an UGIB?
4. What volume of blood loss is needed to produce symptoms of anemia in the patient with an acute/subacute GI bleed?