Word parts
What it means
Blood in vomit, coming from the upper digestive tract: the esophagusih-SOF-uh-gusThe muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.esophag/o esophagusFull entry , stomach or first part of the small bowel. Bright red blood means fresh, fast bleeding. Dark, grainy "coffee-ground" vomit means the blood has sat in the stomach and been changed by stomach acid. Causes include peptic ulcerUL-serAn open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.Full entry s, torn or swollen veins in the esophagus, and stomach irritation from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugnon-STAIR-oy-dul an-tee-in-FLAM-uh-tor-ee DRUGA drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.non- notanti- againstinflamm/o inflammationFull entry s. It is different from hemoptysishee-MOP-tih-sisCoughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus from the lungs or airways.hem/o blood-ptysis spittingFull entry , which is coughing up blood from the lungs.
For the nurse
Note the amount and color, check vital signs for a rising pulse and falling blood pressure, and report it at once. Turn the client on the side to protect the airway. Expect orders for blood counts, a type and crossmatch, IV access and keeping the client NPO.
In a chart
"Client vomited about 200 mL of coffee-ground emesis; HR 112, BP 98/60."
Remember it
Emesis means vomit: hematemesis is vomiting blood.
At a glance
| Everyday words | vomiting blood |
|---|---|
| Spanish | hematemesis |
Easy to confuse with
hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus from the lungs or airways.
Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
ulcer
An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.
hemoptysis
Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus from the lungs or airways.