Diagnosis
Evaluations will most often be conducted by either a clinic triage nurse, emergency department nurse, and/or a physician or other clinican. The initial assessment will include the appearance of the individual, their vital signs, and mental status. A patient history will help reveal a disposition or history of LGIBs or potential differential diagnosis.
Orthostatic vital signs are often used as an indicator of hypovolemia.
Laboratory test will also help give indications of a LGIB. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets are very good physical signs of hypovolemia or blood loss anemia. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and INR will also help determine the body's current ability to clot.
Aspiration of the stomach contents by way of a nasogastric tube (NG tube) will help differentiate between either a UGIB and a LGIB. A negative presence of blood will help to rule out an UGIB.
Read more about this topic: Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding