The patient is admitted with upper GI bleeding following an episode of forceful retching following excessive alcohol intake.The nurse suspects a Mallory-Weiss tear and is aware that:
A) a Mallory-Weiss tear is a longitudinal tear in the gastroesophageal mucosa.
B) this type of bleeding is treated by giving chewable aspirin.
C) the bleeding, although impressive, is self-limiting with little actual blood loss.
D) is not usually associated with alcohol intake or retching.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Mallory-Weiss tear is an arterial hemorrhage from an acute longitudinal tear in the gastroesophageal mucosa and accounts for 10% to 15% of upper GI bleeding episodes.It is associated with long-term nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug or aspirin ingestion and with excessive alcohol intake.The upper GI bleeding usually occurs after episodes of forceful retching.Bleeding usually resolves spontaneously; however,lacerations of the esophagogastric junction may cause massive GI bleeding,requiring surgical repair.

The Patient Is Admitted with Upper GI Bleeding Following an Episode