A directed history and physical is pertinent to directing treatment and

diagnostic testing.
A directed history and physical is pertinent to directing treatment and
diagnostic testing.
NGT Positive: UGIB
NGT Negative: bleeding stopped. Bleeding is beyong pylorus
BUN/Cr > 30 indicates GI bleed, prob UGIB.
*Pocket Medicine, 3rd edition
**Barnet J and H Messmann H. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 6, 637-646
(2009).
Mnemonic for: painful --> I = infectious, inflam, ischemic

Ischemic colitis - usually elderly, transient hypoperfusion of mesenteric

arteries, resulting in pain from episodic low BP or vasospasm.
Water shed area: splenic flexure AND rectosigmoid.