What would be the first action of the nurse?

Question

What would be the first action of the nurse?

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A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted in the effort to stop the bleeding esophageal varices in a patient with complicated liver cirrhosis. Upon insertion of the tube, the client complains of difficulty of breathing.

Asked by RN pedia, Last updated: Dec 20, 2024

John Smith · Accepted Answer

Deflate the esophageal balloon

When a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube develops difficulty of breathing, it means the tube is displaced and the inflated balloon is in the oropharynx causing airway obstruction