What it means
A split in the mucous lining at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, usually after forceful or repeated vomiting or retching, as with heavy alcohol use, bulimia or severe vomiting in pregnancy. It often shows up as vomiting of bright red blood after a bout of retching. Most tears stop bleeding and heal on their own within days; heavy bleeding is treated through an endoscope. It is named after G. Kenneth Mallory and Soma Weiss, American physicians.
For the nurse
Monitor vital signs, the amount and color of any vomited blood, and the hemoglobin. Give antiemetics as ordered to stop further retching, and keep the client NPO until the provider allows food.
At a glance
| Also written | Mallory-Weiss syndrome, Mallory Weiss syndrome, Mallory Weiss tear |
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Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
esophagus
The muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
coffee-ground emesis
Vomit that is dark brown and grainy, like used coffee grounds.