A patient is being treated for bleeding esophageal varices with balloon tamponade. Which nursing action will be included in the plan of care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common complication of balloon tamponade is aspiration pneumonia. In addition,if the gastric balloon ruptures,the esophageal balloon may slip upward and occlude the airway. Coughing increases the pressure on the varices and increases the risk for bleeding. Balloon position is verified after insertion and does not require further verification. Balloons may be deflated briefly every 8 to 12 hours to avoid tissue necrosis,but if only the gastric balloon is deflated,the esophageal balloon may occlude the airway. Balloons are not deflated for nausea.

A Patient Is Being Treated for Bleeding Esophageal Varices with Balloon