Author Question: Compare and contrast hematemesis, hematochezia, and melena. Explain how the color gives the ... (Read 96 times)

geoffrey · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Compare and contrast hematemesis, hematochezia, and melena. Explain how the color gives the investigator clues as to the location of the bleed. Why would a rapid GI transit time produce hematochezia?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Look up the term splanchnic. How does it relate to viscus (pl viscera)? Describe in layman's terms the sentence, Octreotide can be used to reduce splanchnic blood flow.

What will be an ideal response?

31809pancho · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

hematemesis: vomiting blood
hematochezia: red blood in the stool
melena: black, tarry stools due to blood that has been exposed to GI secretions

Blood is broken down as it passes through the intestinal tract and changes color as it progresses through the breakdown process. Blood goes from red, to dark brown, and then to black. Bright red blood in the stool typically originates from the anus or rectum and possibly from the colon. Long exposures to gastrointestinal secretions turn the blood black with a tarry consistency. Black, tarry stools indicate the blood has originated higher up in the GI tract and traveled a significant distance. An upper GI bleed normally produces melena, but a rapid transit time would reduce the blood's exposure to GI secretions and may cause the blood to be passed mostly intact, appearing as red blood (hematochezia).

Answer to Question 2

Splanchnic is another term for viscera. Viscera refers to major organs including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, uterus, spleen, major vessels, and components of the GI tract and the endocrine system.
Octreotide can be used to reduce blood flowing from the vital organs into the portal vein, the main vein going into the liver.