Chapter 21 Heartburn and indigestion
1. The nurse will encourage the patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to
modify her diet by:
a. avoiding garlic.
b. drinking carbonated beverages with meals. c. using a straw to drink all fluids.
d. eating three meals regularly spaced apart.
ANS: A
Avoiding highly seasoned or spicy food should be incorporated into diet changes for the patient with GERD.
The avoidance of carbonated beverages with meals and the use of a straw do not reduce the impact of
GERD. The frequency of dietary intake does not influence GERD.
2. The nurse preparing a teaching plan for lifestyle changes for the patient with GERD would include:
a. sleeping on the right side on a flat bed. b. wearing tight belts to reduce reflux.
c. lying down after each meal for 20 minutes.
d. smoking cessation. ANS: D
Smoking stimulates gastric secretion. The patient with GERD should wait at least 2 hours after a
meal to lie down and should sleep with the head of the bed elevated 4 to 6 inches. The patient
should avoid restrictive clothing.
3. A patient with a hiatal hernia is experiencing heartburn. Which should the nurse suggest to this patient?
a. Eat large meals.
b. Avoid bedtime snacks.
c. Sleep flat without a pillow.
d. Recline 1 hour before meals.
ANS: B
Treatment for hiatal hernia includes avoiding bedtime snacks. A. Small meals that pass easily through the
esophagus should be eaten. C. The head of the bed should be elevated 6 to 12 inches to prevent reflux. D.
Reclining for 1 hour after eating should be avoided.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which patient statement
indicates a need for nutritional instruction?
a. I should drink milk, as it is the perfect food.
b. Nutrition can affect health positively or negatively.
c. Excessive intake of a nutrient can interfere with others.
d. Classes of nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. ANS: A
A low-fat, high-protein diet is recommended because fat causes decreased functioning of the lower
esophageal sphincter. Caffeine, milk products, and spicy foods should be avoided. B. C. D. These patient
statements are appropriate for the patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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1. The nurse will encourage the patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to
modify her diet by:
a. avoiding garlic.
b. drinking carbonated beverages with meals. c. using a straw to drink all fluids.
d. eating three meals regularly spaced apart.
ANS: A
Avoiding highly seasoned or spicy food should be incorporated into diet changes for the patient with GERD.
The avoidance of carbonated beverages with meals and the use of a straw do not reduce the impact of
GERD. The frequency of dietary intake does not influence GERD.
2. The nurse preparing a teaching plan for lifestyle changes for the patient with GERD would include:
a. sleeping on the right side on a flat bed. b. wearing tight belts to reduce reflux.
c. lying down after each meal for 20 minutes.
d. smoking cessation. ANS: D
Smoking stimulates gastric secretion. The patient with GERD should wait at least 2 hours after a
meal to lie down and should sleep with the head of the bed elevated 4 to 6 inches. The patient
should avoid restrictive clothing.
3. A patient with a hiatal hernia is experiencing heartburn. Which should the nurse suggest to this patient?
a. Eat large meals.
b. Avoid bedtime snacks.
c. Sleep flat without a pillow.
d. Recline 1 hour before meals.
ANS: B
Treatment for hiatal hernia includes avoiding bedtime snacks. A. Small meals that pass easily through the
esophagus should be eaten. C. The head of the bed should be elevated 6 to 12 inches to prevent reflux. D.
Reclining for 1 hour after eating should be avoided.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which patient statement
indicates a need for nutritional instruction?
a. I should drink milk, as it is the perfect food.
b. Nutrition can affect health positively or negatively.
c. Excessive intake of a nutrient can interfere with others.
d. Classes of nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. ANS: A
A low-fat, high-protein diet is recommended because fat causes decreased functioning of the lower
esophageal sphincter. Caffeine, milk products, and spicy foods should be avoided. B. C. D. These patient
statements are appropriate for the patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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