It’s Burning…But Not with Passion
This symptom, described as a burning sensation behind the sternum, is the hallmark of GERD.
What is heartburn?
This bacterium is a common cause of peptic ulcer disease.
What is Helicobacter pylori?
This occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm.
What is a hiatal hernia?
This is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis in adults.
What is chronic alcohol use?
This team member is available to help provides dietary guidance for GI disorders.
Who is the registered dietitian?
Patients with GERD should avoid this habit, which weakens the lower esophageal sphincter.
What is smoking?
A nurse teaches a patient to avoid this position immediately after meals to reduce reflux.
What is lying flat/supine?
Pain that improves with eating is more characteristic of this type of ulcer.
What is a duodenal ulcer?
The most common type of hiatal hernia is this type, often associated with reflux.
What is sliding hiatal hernia?
Patients with pancreatitis often report this type of abdominal pain that may radiate to the back.
What is epigastric pain?
This professional assists patients with alcohol cessation in pancreatitis care.
Who is a substance use counselor/social worker?
This dietary change helps reduce reflux symptoms.
What is avoiding spicy/fatty/acidic foods?
This class of medications (e.g., omeprazole) reduces gastric acid production and is first-line for GERD.
What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?
A nurse notes black, tarry stools. This finding suggests this complication.
What is gastrointestinal bleeding (melena)?
Patients with hiatal hernia should avoid this type of clothing to reduce symptoms.
What is tight-fitting clothing around the abdomen?
This stool characteristic indicates fat malabsorption in chronic pancreatitis.
What is steatorrhea (fatty stools)?
This provider performs endoscopic procedures such as an EGD.
Who is a gastroenterologist?
Patients are advised to eat this type of meal pattern.
What is eating small, frequent meals?
A patient reports nighttime reflux. This intervention helps reduce symptoms while sleeping.
What is elevating the head of the bed?
This medication class (e.g., ibuprofen) increases the risk of ulcers and should be avoided.
What are NSAIDs?
This symptom overlaps with GERD and is commonly reported in hiatal hernia.
What is heartburn?
This type of medication is often prescribed to aid digestion.
What are pancreatic enzyme replacements?
This team member helps manage medication regimens and interactions.
Who is the pharmacist?
Weight management is important because this condition increases intra-abdominal pressure.
What is obesity?
Chronic GERD can lead to this precancerous condition involving esophageal tissue changes.
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
The priority nursing action for a patient with suspected perforated ulcer and rigid abdomen is this.
What is notifying the provider/emergency intervention (NPO, prepare for surgery)?
A large paraesophageal hernia may require this intervention due to risk of strangulation.
What is surgical repair?
A key nutritional teaching for patients with pancreatitis includes this dietary modification.
What is a low-fat diet with small frequent meals?
A nurse collaborates with this specialist when a patient has difficulty swallowing.
Who is a speech-language pathologist?
Patients should avoid eating within this time frame before bedtime.
What is 2–3 hours before sleep?