A patient with an upper gastrointestinal bleed asks why an endoscopy needs to be done. What would the nurse respond to this patient? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected

Question

Select all that apply. 1. "It will identify where the bleeding is coming from."
2. "So the doctor can possibly stop the bleeding by injecting a medication into the area."
3. "The doctor may be able to stop the bleeding by sewing up the area that is bleeding."
4. "To figure out how much blood you will need to receive."
5. "To identify which antibiotics to prescribe for your treatment."

Answer 1

1,2,3
Rationale 1: The purpose of an endoscopy in patients with an acute GI bleed is to establish the site and etiology of the bleed.
Rationale 2: During an endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, injection therapy can be done to stop the bleeding. Through direct visualization, the site may be injected with a variety of agents to sclerose, vasoconstrict, or cause a tamponade effect.
Rationale 3: Mechanical techniques to control gastrointestinal bleeding include the use of endoclips. These clips achieve hemostasis by compressing the tissue together. Its action is similar to that of a surgical stitch. Depending on the situation, multiple clips may be applied.
Rationale 4: An endoscopy is not done to determine the amount of blood replacement the patient needs.
Rationale 5: An endoscopy is not done to identify antibiotics to aid in the treatment.