The treatment of oesophageal varices using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube: considerations for nursing practice.

The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is slowly becoming the least preferred method for the treatment of oesophageal varices, possibly due to the potential complications that are inherent in its placement. Nursing practice pertaining to the care of this patient group appears ad hoc and reliant on local knowledge and experience, as opposed to recognized evidence of best practice.