Signs and Symptoms
Burning chest pain after eating, often worse when lying down.
heart burn
T or F - GERD is commonly diagnosed by signs and symptoms and with PPI trial medication
TRUE
These two habits can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increases reflux.
Alcohol and smoking - which would be two modifiable risk factors
T or F - Elevating the head of your bed is a recommended non-pharmacological treatment for GERD.
TRUEEE
Should a nurse teach a patient with GERD to eat 3 big meals or multiple small meals?
Multiple small meals, because it is easier for them to digest
Sensation of stomach contents coming back into the mouth, sometimes sour or bitter.
Regurgitation
This simple test may be ordered to see if GERD is causing inflammation in the esophagus by looking at tissue samples
esophageal biopsy
What is a precancerous condition often caused when a patient has chronic/untreated GERD?
Barrett’s esophagus
If GERD symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes and medications, patients may need to discuss this type of treatment.
surgery - is the last resort type of treatment
To prevent symptoms, Nurses should teach there patients to avoid eating for this many hours before bedtime?
2-3 hours
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty/painful swallowing - this can be a common sign and symptom of GERD
If PPI trial doesn't improve signs and symptoms, what is the next step?
EGD - may be performed to rule out complications of GERD such as erosions, Barrett’s esophagus, and cancer
T or F - Pregnancy and obesity increases the risk of GERD
TRUE because they both cause pressure on the abdomen which forces stomach acid upward into the esophagus
T or F - Over-the-counter antacids provide long-term healing for the esophagus in chronic GERD cases
FALSE - Antacids provide QUICK relief but do not heal the esophagus, think temporarily bandaid
T or F - Should a nurse ever ignore chest pain when a person has GERD or history of GERD
FALSEEEEEE
T or F - GERD may cause irritation that leads to your voice becoming rough or raspy.
TRUE - this is caused by the stomach acid irritating the vocal cords in your throat.
T or F - Cardiac assessments are never needed when diagnosing GERD.
FALSE - Cardiac assessments are very much needed to rule out other problems other than GERD.
What type of hernia is most common is GERD?
Hiatal hernia - this happens when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, this can be a common risk factor of GERD, but not the only thing that causes GERD.
A medication class that should be taken before meals for the best effect and is commonly used to treat moderate to severe GERD.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
T or F - Nurses need to teach about oral care for patients who have GERD
TRUE - Oral care is so important for patients who have GERD, because if you regurgitate stomach acid frequently, this can lead to cavities and mucosal decay.
Frequent ______ can occur in GERD when excess gas builds up in the stomach and is released through the mouth.
Belching - this is the most common overlooked symptom in GERD
For GERD patients whose symptoms do not improve with medications, this test involves inserting a catheter through the nose to measure acid levels near the lower esophageal sphincter and link symptoms to GERD
Esophageal reflux monitoring test
What is the pathophysiology of GERD?
The lower esophageal sphincter muscle doesn't fully close all the way, which allows stomach acid into the esophagus
This surgical procedure wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus to prevent acid reflux in severe GERD.
Nissan Fundoplication
Patients over this age with GERD should be taught to report persistent symptoms to their provider because they may need screening for complications
50 years of age