NURS 355 EXAM III: GERD ACTUAL QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2024 GRADED A+
GERD stands for:
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Heartburn = pyrosis
REMEMBER THAT GERD IS A CHRONIC SYMPTOM NOT A DISEASE
Heartburn occurs when LES pressure is decreased. What medication provides
quick relief of heartburn?
Antacids
What test would be used to assess LES competence and/or degree of
inflammation in the esophagus?
Endoscopy
GERD can lead to two conditions:
Esophagitis
Barrett's syndrome
What is GERD?
Symptom in which acidified liquid content goes up into the esophagus, causing
esophagitis
Backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus due to the lower esophageal
sphincter relaxing. What condition is this?
GERD
What foods/drinks can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and trigger GERD?
Spicy foods
Onions
Citrus products
Tomato products (e.g. ketchup)
Fatty/fried foods
Peppermint, chocolate
Alcohol, caffeine
What are the common symptoms for when a child has an acid reflux?
Frequent vomiting
Frequent cough
Crying with feeding
Heartburn, gas, abdominal pain
Immature digestive system
How to diagnose GERD?
GE Reflux Scan. A scan in which the patient swallows a "tracer cocktail"
How to treat GERD (non-pharmacological)?
Elevate HOB
Sleep: lie on left side
Smoking cessation
, Maintain healthy weight
Exercise (avoid crunches, sit-ups)
Wear loose clothing
Diet teaching for patients with GERD:
Avoid chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, smoking as they reduce the
pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, and promote reflux
Interventions for patients with acute symptoms of GERD?
1. Elevate HOB 30 degrees, using 4 to 6 pillows
2. Avoid supine position after meals
3. Avoid foods that cause reflux
Mechanism of action of antacids?
(short duration)
Neutralize stomach acid, so there is no acid to go up into esophagus. Relieve GI
discomfort such as heartburn
When should antacids be taken?
1-3 hours after meals
A second dose two hours after a meal
What are common side effects of GERD medications?
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Gas
Abdominal pain
Drugs that are available over the counter?
H2 blocker drugs
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI):
Must be taken on an empty stomach-- 1 hour before eating,
take daily (e.g. before breakfast)
Must be administered daily
Adverse effects of PPI:
Increased risk of bone fractures
Avoid PPI in pregnant women, breastfeeding, and watch out for rebound hyperacidity
H2 Blockers (histamine blocker)
(long duration)
Reduces gastric acid production., and can last up to 8 hours
Diabetic patients, patients w/ gastric bypass or weight loss surgery, or at risk for
B12 deficiency should watch out for these drugs:
Chronic use of PPI's and H2 blockers
What is Barrett's syndrome?
A condition found in the lower part of the esophagus, caused by changes in
cells/changes in esophageal lining due to presence of stomach acid
The nurse is planning to teach a client with GERD about substances that will
increase the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. Which item should the
nurse include on this list?
Nonfat milk
Increase intraabdominal pressure can cause:
AND CORRECT ANSWERS 2024 GRADED A+
GERD stands for:
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Heartburn = pyrosis
REMEMBER THAT GERD IS A CHRONIC SYMPTOM NOT A DISEASE
Heartburn occurs when LES pressure is decreased. What medication provides
quick relief of heartburn?
Antacids
What test would be used to assess LES competence and/or degree of
inflammation in the esophagus?
Endoscopy
GERD can lead to two conditions:
Esophagitis
Barrett's syndrome
What is GERD?
Symptom in which acidified liquid content goes up into the esophagus, causing
esophagitis
Backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus due to the lower esophageal
sphincter relaxing. What condition is this?
GERD
What foods/drinks can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and trigger GERD?
Spicy foods
Onions
Citrus products
Tomato products (e.g. ketchup)
Fatty/fried foods
Peppermint, chocolate
Alcohol, caffeine
What are the common symptoms for when a child has an acid reflux?
Frequent vomiting
Frequent cough
Crying with feeding
Heartburn, gas, abdominal pain
Immature digestive system
How to diagnose GERD?
GE Reflux Scan. A scan in which the patient swallows a "tracer cocktail"
How to treat GERD (non-pharmacological)?
Elevate HOB
Sleep: lie on left side
Smoking cessation
, Maintain healthy weight
Exercise (avoid crunches, sit-ups)
Wear loose clothing
Diet teaching for patients with GERD:
Avoid chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, smoking as they reduce the
pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, and promote reflux
Interventions for patients with acute symptoms of GERD?
1. Elevate HOB 30 degrees, using 4 to 6 pillows
2. Avoid supine position after meals
3. Avoid foods that cause reflux
Mechanism of action of antacids?
(short duration)
Neutralize stomach acid, so there is no acid to go up into esophagus. Relieve GI
discomfort such as heartburn
When should antacids be taken?
1-3 hours after meals
A second dose two hours after a meal
What are common side effects of GERD medications?
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Gas
Abdominal pain
Drugs that are available over the counter?
H2 blocker drugs
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI):
Must be taken on an empty stomach-- 1 hour before eating,
take daily (e.g. before breakfast)
Must be administered daily
Adverse effects of PPI:
Increased risk of bone fractures
Avoid PPI in pregnant women, breastfeeding, and watch out for rebound hyperacidity
H2 Blockers (histamine blocker)
(long duration)
Reduces gastric acid production., and can last up to 8 hours
Diabetic patients, patients w/ gastric bypass or weight loss surgery, or at risk for
B12 deficiency should watch out for these drugs:
Chronic use of PPI's and H2 blockers
What is Barrett's syndrome?
A condition found in the lower part of the esophagus, caused by changes in
cells/changes in esophageal lining due to presence of stomach acid
The nurse is planning to teach a client with GERD about substances that will
increase the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. Which item should the
nurse include on this list?
Nonfat milk
Increase intraabdominal pressure can cause:
