Sengstaken - Blakemore tube method is used to control bleeding in which condition? - AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is specifically designed to control life-threatening hemorrhage from esophageal varices.
It works through a mechanism called balloon tamponade, where inflated balloons directly compress the bleeding veins in the esophagus and gastric cardia.
This intervention is typically used as a temporary measure when endoscopic or pharmacologic treatments fail to control the bleeding.
The tube has separate lumens for inflating the esophageal and gastric balloons and for aspirating stomach contents.

Option A: Hematemesis, or vomiting of blood, is a symptom of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not a specific condition. The tube treats the underlying cause of the hematemesis, which in this context is the varices.
Option B: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. While it can cause bleeding, it is managed with medications (like proton pump inhibitors) and lifestyle changes, not with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.
Option C: Melena, or black, tarry stools, is a sign of digested blood from an upper GI bleed. Like hematemesis, it is a symptom, not the underlying pathology that the tube is designed to treat.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The use of a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is a high-risk, emergency procedure reserved for massive variceal bleeding, often in an ICU setting.
A critical nursing responsibility is to keep a pair of scissors at the bedside at all times. If the patient develops acute respiratory distress, the tube must be cut immediately to deflate the balloons and prevent fatal airway obstruction.
Nurses must meticulously monitor balloon pressures to prevent esophageal necrosis or rupture, a potentially fatal complication.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Sengstaken-Blakemore tube'.
Recall the primary purpose of this specific medical device. It is known as an emergency tool for gastrointestinal bleeding.
Differentiate between the options provided. Notice that 'Hematemesis' and 'Melena' are symptoms (signs of bleeding), while 'Gastritis' and 'Esophageal varices' are specific medical conditions (causes of bleeding).
The question asks for the 'condition' the tube is used for, which narrows the choice to either Gastritis or Esophageal varices.
Recall or deduce that the balloon tamponade mechanism is designed for compressing large, fragile veins (varices) in the esophagus, not for diffuse stomach inflammation (gastritis).
Therefore, select Esophageal varices as the correct condition.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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