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While caring for a client who has esophageal varices, which nursing intervention is most important for the registered nurse (rn) to implement?

User Justmscs
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24 votes
24 votes

Institute measure to address bleeding.

What is esophageal varices?

Vascular growths in the esophagus are called esophageal varices. They frequently result from blocked blood flow through the portal vein, which transports blood to the liver from the gut, pancreas, and spleen. Aberrant, enlarged veins in the tube that connects the throat and stomach are called esophageal varices (esophagus).

Because emergency surgery to reduce bleeding from esophageal varices is linked with a high death rate and because the majority of these patients are in poor physical condition, non-surgical treatment is chosen.

When hematemesis and melena are present, aggressive medical therapy includes assessing the degree of bleeding and ongoing vital sign monitoring.

Potential hypovolemic symptoms are recognized, and central venous pressure or arterial catheters are used to measure blood volume.

In addition to intravenous fluids and volume expanders that are used to restore fluid volume and replace electrolytes, oxygen is supplied to prevent hypoxia and to maintain appropriate blood oxygenation.

In addition to determining whether a blood transfusion is necessary, intake and output (with an indwelling catheter) are tracked.

To learn more about hematemesis click on the link below:

User John Wiegley
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