What the immediate nursing care for hematemesis?
The immediate nursing care for hematemesis includes the following:
1. Assessment:
- Assess the patient's vital signs, level of consciousness, and mental status.
- Inspect the vomit for color, consistency, and presence of blood clots or coffee-ground material.
2. Airway Management:
- Ensure the patient's airway is open and unobstructed.
- Administer supplemental oxygen as prescribed.
3. Intravenous (IV) Access:
- Establish two large-bore IV lines with normal saline to restore fluid volume and maintain hemodynamic stability.
4. Blood Transfusion:
- Prepare for possible blood transfusions if the patient is actively bleeding or has low hemoglobin levels.
5. NPO (Nothing by Mouth) Status:
- Keep the patient NPO until further instructions from the healthcare provider.
- This helps to minimize further bleeding and allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest.
6. Gastric Lavage:
- In some cases, the healthcare provider may order gastric lavage to remove blood clots or other substances from the stomach.
7. Pain Management:
- Administer pain medication as prescribed to help manage abdominal pain or discomfort.
8. Monitoring:
- Monitor the patient closely for signs of ongoing bleeding, changes in vital signs, or deterioration in clinical status.
- Observe for signs of aspiration pneumonia if the patient has vomited a large amount of blood.
9. Psychosocial Support:
- Provide emotional support to the patient and their family, as hematemesis can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience.
10. Documentation:
- Document all relevant findings, interventions, and patient responses in the nursing notes.