A patient who recently began having mild symptoms of GERD is reluctant to take medication. What measures will the nurse recommend to minimize this patient's symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
Avoiding hot, spicy foods
Avoiding tobacco products
Drinking a glass of red wine with dinner
Eating a snack before bedtime
Using a small pillow for sleeping
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A. Avoiding hot, spicy foods
Spicy foods can increase the production of stomach acid and may irritate the esophagus, worsening GERD symptoms. Avoiding hot and spicy foods is a dietary measure to minimize the risk of symptom exacerbation.
B. Avoiding tobacco products
Tobacco use is a known risk factor for GERD. Smoking can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Advising the patient to quit or avoid tobacco products can contribute to symptom management.
C. Drinking a glass of red wine with dinner
While red wine may have some potential benefits, alcohol, in general, can relax the LES, leading to increased reflux. Therefore, drinking red wine with dinner may not be recommended for someone experiencing GERD symptoms.
D. Eating a snack before bedtime
Eating close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of GERD symptoms, as lying down may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The nurse may advise against eating a snack right before bedtime to minimize nighttime reflux.
E. Using a small pillow for sleeping
Elevating the head and upper body during sleep can help prevent stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. Using a small pillow for sleeping is a measure to reduce nighttime reflux and alleviate GERD symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Give the child fluids and proceed to the emergency department.
While giving the child fluids is generally important, proceeding to the emergency department without consulting poison control may not be the most appropriate initial action. Poison control can provide specific guidance based on the substance ingested.
B. Call the poison control center and follow directions.
The safest advice for a toddler who has ingested a small amount of household cleaning fluid is to call the poison control center and follow their directions. Poison control centers are staffed with professionals who can provide specific guidance based on the type and amount of the ingested substance. They can advise on the appropriate steps to take, such as whether immediate medical attention is needed or if monitoring at home is sufficient.
C. Administer syrup of ipecac and monitor for vomiting.
The use of syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended as a routine measure for ingested substances. It can have adverse effects and may not be effective for all substances. Consulting poison control for guidance is considered a more appropriate approach.
D. Have the toddler eat bread to absorb the substance.
The ingestion of certain substances may not be effectively addressed by having the toddler eat bread. The specific advice for management should come from poison control, which can provide evidence-based guidance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Calm the patient to reduce acid production.
This description is not accurate for sucralfate. Calming the patient to reduce acid production is typically associated with medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers.
B. Block the H2 receptors.
Blocking H2 receptors is the mechanism of action for H2 receptor blockers, such as ranitidine. It is not the mechanism of action for sucralfate.
C. Neutralize the gastric acids.
Neutralizing gastric acids is the mechanism of action for antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate. Sucralfate works differently; it forms a protective coating on the gastric lining rather than directly neutralizing acids.
D. Coat the gastric lining.
This is the correct mechanism of action for sucralfate. It forms a protective coating on the gastric lining, adhering to the ulcer site and providing a barrier against gastric acid.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today