Final answer:
The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used for esophageal varices bleeding management. Smaller balloon pressure is vital, with scissors at the bedside for emergency deflation. The tube usually has three lumens, and the esophageal balloon inflation pressure varies by protocol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is a medical device used for managing upper gastrointestinal bleeding, specifically from esophageal varices. Regarding the statements provided:
The smaller balloon, typically the gastric balloon, is designed to control bleeding by applying direct pressure against the site of hemorrhage in the stomach or just below the esophagus.
The tube traditionally has three lumens: one for inflating the esophageal balloon, one for inflating the gastric balloon, and one for draining stomach contents. A fourth lumen can be present in some designs, which can be used for aspiration above the esophageal balloon or monitors.
The esophageal balloon should be inflated to the prescribed pressure to control bleeding, which can range between 20-45 mmHg; the exact pressure can vary based on clinical protocol and individual patient needs.
Scissors should indeed be kept at the patient's bedside when a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is in place. In an emergency situation where the tube needs to be deflated immediately to prevent airway obstruction, the balloons can be quickly deflated by cutting the inflation ports.