title: Gastrointestinal bleeding.
abstract: A systemic approach must be taken with both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The first priority is stabilization. Once this has been achieved, and in patients who present with stable vital signs, a systematic approach to diagnosis and management must be followed. The urgency with which this is performed will be dictated by such aspects as risk factors and the clinical presentation. Some patients may need immediate diagnostic studies in the emergency department, some in the intensive care unit, some on a regular floor, and others may even be able to receive medical treatment followed by investigation on an outpatient basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Talbot-Stern
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D010438:Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D015911:Sclerotherapy
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents