What should be one of the nursing strategies when the client has gastroesophageal reflux?
This NCLEX review will discuss GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). As a nursing student, you must be familiar with GERD and how to care for patients who are experiencing this condition. These type of questions may be found on NCLEX and definitely on nursing lecture exams. Don’t forget to take the
GERD quiz. You will learn the following from this NCLEX review: What is GERD? GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
and it is a chronic condition where stomach contents flows back up into the esophagus which is mainly due to a damaged/weak lower esophageal sphincter. GERD is sometimes referred to as “acid reflux disease” as well. Some people have random episodes of acid reflux and it goes away, but GERD is when it occurs more than twice a week for a long period of time. Why is GERD happening? In a nutshell, the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is not staying closed but opening. This allows backwash of stomach contents and acids into the esophagus, and this leads to major irritation to the esophagus. See below the reasons for a weak/damaged LES. First let’s cover what happens in normal swallowing: Physiology of swallowing food: Digestion starts in the mouth when food is chewed. Then it is swallowed. The food is then squeezed down into the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to let the food into the stomach and then it CLOSES again to prevent the food from back flowing. Parietal and chief cells are stimulated from the food to produce acid and digestive enzymes to break down the food. In GERD, the acids and food can flow back into the esophagus. Key Players in GERDEsophagus: the tube that connects to the stomach to allow food to enter into the stomach. It squeezes food down into the stomach each time we swallow and the lower esophageal sphincter opens. It plays a role in GERD if the esophagus is unable to perform this role correctly due to impaired motility.
Esophageal mucosal lining: erodes and becomes damaged over time from the constant backwash of acids/contents and ulcer/sores form…hence “esophagitis”….complications: esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding Stomach Acid & Contents: erodes the esophagus….if the acid and contents makes it pass the upper esophageal sphincter it can enter into the lungs causing pneumonia, aggravate asthma signs and symptoms, coughing, ear infections, voice changes, chronic cough, and night time coughing…..called laryngopharyngeal reflux (GERD can lead to this) Complications of GERD
Signs and Symptoms of GERDNote: not all people with GERD will have heartburn but may have chronic cough, recurrent pneumonia, regurgitation of food
How is GERD Diagnosed?
Treatment of GERD: lifestyle changes, medications, surgery such as: fundoplication which is where the fundus of the stomach is placed around the lower part of the esophagus (most severe cases) Nursing Interventions for GERD
Assess quality and characteristic of the pain and differentiate the signs and symptoms from a heart attack? Assess for other signs and symptoms rather than heartburn…do they have respiratory changes, dry cough that is worst when lying down, hoarseness of the voice? Is the pain aggravated when eating a heavy meal? What food makes it worst? (help develop a diet plan to decrease signs and symptoms) What medications are they taking? Assess for signs and symptoms of aspiration? Coughing, voice changes, lower oxygen saturation, increase respiration, abnormal lung sounds Education for GERD
Medications for GERD
Antacids: neutralizes acid
Histamine-receptor blockers: decreases secretion of gastric acid
Proton-pump Inhibitors (PPIs): decreases stomach acid and helps esophagus heal
Prokinetics: prevent delayed gastric emptying by improving pressure in LES and peristalsis of the GI tract:
More NCLEX Reviews References
What are some strategies to recommend treating GERD?Try to:. Maintain a healthy weight. ... . Stop smoking. ... . Elevate the head of your bed. ... . Start on your left side. ... . Don't lie down after a meal. ... . Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ... . Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ... . Avoid tight-fitting clothing.. What advice would the nurse give to the patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease?Avoid foods that decrease the pressure in the lower esophagus, such as fatty foods, alcohol and peppermint. Avoid foods that affect peristalsis (the muscle movements in your digestive tract), such as coffee, alcohol and acidic liquids. Avoid foods that slow gastric emptying, including fatty foods. Avoid large meals.
Which self care behavior would benefit a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease?These lifestyle changes can help ease the symptoms of GERD or even prevent the condition: quitting smoking. avoiding alcohol. losing weight if you are overweight.
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