Gastrointestinal Bleeding Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • GI Tract Anatomy Review

Covers upper and lower GI structures relevant to bleeding sites. Provides spatial reference for locating haemorrhage sources during assessment.

Lesson 2 • Classification of GI Haemorrhage

Defines upper, lower, and obscure GI bleeding categories. Enables nurses to apply correct terminology and triage logic from the outset.

Lesson 3 • Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Presents incidence, mortality rates, and patient risk profiles for GI haemorrhage. Contextualises clinical urgency and guides preventive nursing focus.

Lesson 1 • Upper GI Bleeding Causes

Examines peptic ulcer disease, varices, Mallory-Weiss tears, and erosive gastritis. Builds causal reasoning for upper GI haemorrhage assessment.

Lesson 2 • Lower GI Bleeding Causes

Covers diverticulosis, angiodysplasia, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Differentiates pathophysiology to support accurate source identification.

Lesson 3 • Systemic Conditions Causing GI Bleeding

Addresses coagulopathies, liver disease, and vascular disorders as systemic contributors. Prepares nurses to recognise bleeding driven by non-GI primary pathology.

Lesson 1 • Recognising Haematemesis and Melena

Distinguishes haematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, melena, and haematochezia by appearance and clinical meaning. Enables rapid source localisation at triage.

Lesson 2 • Vital Sign Interpretation in Haemorrhage

Interprets blood pressure, heart rate, orthostatic changes, and respiratory rate in the context of blood loss. Translates vital sign patterns into haemorrhage severity estimates.

Lesson 3 • Severity Scoring Systems

Introduces validated tools such as the Glasgow-Blatchford and Rockall scores. Equips nurses to communicate risk stratification clearly to the care team.

Lesson 4 • History Taking for GI Bleeding

Guides focused history collection including symptom onset, stool characteristics, and medication use. Establishes the informational foundation for differential diagnosis.

Lesson 1 • Imaging Studies for GI Haemorrhage

Explains CT angiography, tagged red cell scans, and interventional radiology roles. Nurses understand when imaging is ordered and how to prepare patients safely.

Lesson 2 • Endoscopic Procedures Overview

Describes upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy indications and findings. Prepares nurses to support procedural teams and monitor patients post-scope.

Lesson 3 • Nursing Responsibilities During Diagnostics

Defines pre-procedure preparation, intra-procedure monitoring, and post-procedure care. Ensures nurses fulfil their role safely across all diagnostic modalities.

Lesson 1 • Initial Triage and Priority Setting

Applies triage principles to differentiate stable from unstable GI bleed presentations. Drives immediate resource allocation and escalation decisions.

Lesson 2 • Airway and Oxygenation Management

Addresses airway protection in patients with haematemesis or altered consciousness. Prepares nurses to support intubation and maintain oxygenation during resuscitation.

Lesson 3 • Blood Product Administration

Details packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate use in haemorrhage. Nurses manage transfusion safely and monitor for adverse reactions.

Lesson 4 • Haemostatic and Vasoactive Medications

Reviews proton pump inhibitors, octreotide, vasopressin, and tranexamic acid in acute GI bleeding. Nurses administer these agents correctly and monitor therapeutic response.

Lesson 1 • Balloon Tamponade Nursing Care

Covers Sengstaken-Blakemore and Minnesota tube insertion assistance and maintenance. Prepares nurses to manage tube position, pressure, and airway safety.

Lesson 2 • Interventional Radiology Procedures

Explains transcatheter arterial embolisation and TIPS procedure nursing implications. Nurses prepare patients and monitor for post-procedural complications.

Lesson 3 • Endoscopic Haemostasis Techniques

Describes injection therapy, thermal coagulation, clipping, and band ligation. Nurses understand each technique to provide informed pre- and post-procedure care.

Lesson 1 • Haemodynamic Monitoring Protocols

Establishes frequency and parameters for vital sign and haemodynamic monitoring. Guides nurses in detecting rebleeding and haemodynamic compromise early.

Lesson 2 • Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Management

Monitors and corrects fluid, sodium, potassium, and magnesium imbalances during GI haemorrhage care. Prevents iatrogenic complications from aggressive resuscitation.

Lesson 3 • Preventing Hospital-Acquired Complications

Covers aspiration pneumonia, pressure injuries, DVT, and catheter-associated infections in GI bleed patients. Nurses apply bundled prevention strategies throughout hospitalisation.

Lesson 4 • Managing Hepatic Encephalopathy in Variceal Bleeding

Addresses encephalopathy prevention and management specific to variceal haemorrhage patients. Nurses apply lactulose, rifaximin, and dietary protocols appropriately.

Lesson 1 • Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Identifies barriers such as food insecurity, substance use, and limited health literacy affecting recovery. Nurses connect patients to community resources to support long-term outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Discharge Readiness Assessment

Defines clinical and functional criteria for safe discharge after GI haemorrhage. Nurses apply structured checklists to confirm patient stability before release.

Lesson 3 • Medication Reconciliation and Safety

Reviews anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and NSAID management at discharge. Nurses reconcile medications to prevent recurrence while managing comorbid conditions.

Lesson 4 • Patient and Family Education

Delivers structured education on warning signs, diet, activity, and medication adherence. Empowers patients and families to recognise recurrence and seek timely care.