Debrief - Rectal bleeding
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course
or enter your email below to watch one free video.
Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Bleeding Symptoms
Challenges with Abdominal Pain and Bleeding
Introduction: Patients presenting with abdominal pain and altered stools or rectal bleeding pose diagnostic challenges.
Types and Causes of Rectal Bleeding
Types of Bleeding: Rectal bleeding can vary depending on its source.
- Bright Red Blood: Indicates bleeding near the anal sphincter, possibly from haemorrhoids or fissures.
- Blood in Stools: Can indicate bleeding from higher up in the digestive tract if mixed with stools.
- Melena: Black, tarry, foul-smelling stools indicate digested blood from higher in the digestive tract.
Significance of Melena
Melena Description: Melena is a serious condition where digested blood emits a distinct smell, not typical of normal stools.
Patient Experience: Patients often note the unusual odour of melena.
Urgency of A&E Assessment
Immediate Medical Attention: Any form of rectal bleeding, especially melena, requires urgent evaluation in A&E.