Question

Writing about the patient suffering from GERD using the following:

Introduction

Patient teaching

Nursing diagnosis

Symptoms and cause

Identifying the cause, what to use to identify the cause

Labs

Scenarios of the above

And head to toe assessment

Summary

Answer 1

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE ( GERD ) is a digestive disease which occurs when the acid in the stomach frequently flow back into the tube connecting the mouth and esophagus. This backwash or acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

CAUSES: The main cause of acid reflux disease is a) hiatal hernia b) obesity c) low stomach acid d) smoking e) eating late at night f) fried and fatty foods h) alcohol and i) intake of medications like aspirin causing ulcers.

SYMPTOMS: The symptoms of GERD includes the following a) heart burn b) chest pain c) difficulty in swallowing d) regurgitation of food e) feeling of lump in throat f) inflammation of larynx and g) disturbed sleep.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OR LAB DIAGNOSIS: a) Esophageal manometry used to help the acid reflux in the stomach b) Endoscopy used to identify the inner part of the esophagus and stomach and c) X-ray - by using a barium pill helps to diagnose narrowing of the esophagus while swallowing.

NURSING DIAGNOSIS: The management of GERD includes teaching related to avoid situations that reduce the esophageal irritation. The nursing diagnosis of GERD includes a) imbalanced nutrition less than the body requirement related to inability to intake enough food because of acid reflux b) Imbalanced nutrition more than the body requirement related to decrease metabolic rate c) Risk for aspiration related to impaired swallowing d) Deficient knowledge related to lack of information regarding the disease condition.

PATIENT TEACHING: The patient teaching helps the patient to reduce the esophageal irritation which includes a) Eat slowly and chew well b) Eat 5 to 6 small meals instead of large meals c) avoid fried and fatty foods d) avoid alcohol and smoking e) should avoid aerated drinks f) Do not lie down right after the meal and should advice the patient to sleep on left side to avoid regurgitation g) avoid intake of snacks h) should advice the patient to take medicines as per doctors order i) advice the patient to educe weight if obese j) the patient should raise the head end to 6 to 8 inches while sleeping and finally k) the patient should avoid foods that cause irritation or heart burn to stomach.

HEAD TO TOE ASSESSMENT: A) Heartburn is the most common typical symptom for GERD. In physical examination, the retrosternal sensation of burning can be felt immediately after eating or when lying in supine position.