M4 GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
DISEASE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE ANSWERS
A patient is prescribed ranitidine, an H2-receptor antagonist, for gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD).
Which adverse effect should the nurse counsel the patient to report to the healthcare
provider?
Black, tarry stools
Enlarged or tender breasts
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Decreased stomach acid production - Answer-Enlarged or tender breasts
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, can happen from long-term use of H2-receptor
antagonists. This manifestation needs to be reported to the healthcare provider. Black,
tarry stools are a side effect of proton pump inhibitors. Extrapyramidal symptoms are a
side effect of promotility agents such as metoclopramide. Successful treatment of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) includes decreased acid production. This is a
goal and does not need to be reported.
While conducting a health history, the patient states, "I have had constant heart burn for
the past month."
The nurse should suspect that the patient most likely has which condition?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Barrett esophagus
Acute pancreatitis
Intestinal malabsorption - Answer-Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Heartburn is the primary clinical manifestation reported by patients with
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett esophagus is a complication of GERD
and is characterized by changes in the cells lining the esophagus and an increased risk
of developing esophageal cancer. The patient with acute pancreatitis would report left
upper quadrant pain. Intestinal malabsorption is manifested by diarrhea.
The nurse reviews the patients scheduled for examinations in the community clinic.
Which patient should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for the development of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
ANSWER
A 40-year-old male recovering from colorectal surgery
, A 25-year-old female who is pregnant
A 55-year-old male recovering from pneumonia and asthma
A 70-year-old female being treated for cardiovascular disease - Answer-A 25-year-old
female who is pregnant
The 25-year-old female who is pregnant is at highest risk for the development of GERD.
The developing fetus and extra weight places pressure on the stomach and causes
contents to reflux into the esophagus. Colorectal surgery can interfere with bowel
elimination. Pneumonia and asthma affect respirations. Cardiovascular disease impairs
circulation.
A patient taking prescribed medication and following dietary changes for
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to experience severe symptoms.
Which plan of treatment should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to consider
next?
Proton pump inhibitors
Gastric bypass surgery
Fundoplication
Stress management techniques - Answer-Fundoplication
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Surgery may be necessary for patients who do not respond to pharmacologic and
lifestyle interventions. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the treatment of choice for GERD.
Proton pump inhibitors would not be prescribed since medication has not been effective.
Gastric bypass surgery is for weight loss, not GERD. The patient has already used
lifestyle modifications for treatment without success. Therefore, stress management
techniques would not be the best treatment option.
A pediatric patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is coughing frequently.
Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to guide this patient's care?
Communication: Verbal, Impaired
Infection, Risk for
Airway Clearance, Ineffective
Knowledge, Readiness for Enhanced - Answer-Airway Clearance, Ineffective
A pediatric patient with GERD often has clinical symptoms that affect the respiratory
system. The most appropriate diagnosis for this patient is impaired airway clearance.
While the other diagnoses may be appropriate for an adult patient with GERD, they are
not appropriate for the pediatric patient who is exhibiting respiratory symptoms
associated with GERD.
The nurse provides teaching to a pregnant patient who reports symptoms of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) keeping her awake at night.
Which statement should the nurse identify that indicates the need for further teaching?
DISEASE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE ANSWERS
A patient is prescribed ranitidine, an H2-receptor antagonist, for gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD).
Which adverse effect should the nurse counsel the patient to report to the healthcare
provider?
Black, tarry stools
Enlarged or tender breasts
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Decreased stomach acid production - Answer-Enlarged or tender breasts
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, can happen from long-term use of H2-receptor
antagonists. This manifestation needs to be reported to the healthcare provider. Black,
tarry stools are a side effect of proton pump inhibitors. Extrapyramidal symptoms are a
side effect of promotility agents such as metoclopramide. Successful treatment of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) includes decreased acid production. This is a
goal and does not need to be reported.
While conducting a health history, the patient states, "I have had constant heart burn for
the past month."
The nurse should suspect that the patient most likely has which condition?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Barrett esophagus
Acute pancreatitis
Intestinal malabsorption - Answer-Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Heartburn is the primary clinical manifestation reported by patients with
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett esophagus is a complication of GERD
and is characterized by changes in the cells lining the esophagus and an increased risk
of developing esophageal cancer. The patient with acute pancreatitis would report left
upper quadrant pain. Intestinal malabsorption is manifested by diarrhea.
The nurse reviews the patients scheduled for examinations in the community clinic.
Which patient should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for the development of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
ANSWER
A 40-year-old male recovering from colorectal surgery
, A 25-year-old female who is pregnant
A 55-year-old male recovering from pneumonia and asthma
A 70-year-old female being treated for cardiovascular disease - Answer-A 25-year-old
female who is pregnant
The 25-year-old female who is pregnant is at highest risk for the development of GERD.
The developing fetus and extra weight places pressure on the stomach and causes
contents to reflux into the esophagus. Colorectal surgery can interfere with bowel
elimination. Pneumonia and asthma affect respirations. Cardiovascular disease impairs
circulation.
A patient taking prescribed medication and following dietary changes for
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to experience severe symptoms.
Which plan of treatment should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to consider
next?
Proton pump inhibitors
Gastric bypass surgery
Fundoplication
Stress management techniques - Answer-Fundoplication
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Surgery may be necessary for patients who do not respond to pharmacologic and
lifestyle interventions. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the treatment of choice for GERD.
Proton pump inhibitors would not be prescribed since medication has not been effective.
Gastric bypass surgery is for weight loss, not GERD. The patient has already used
lifestyle modifications for treatment without success. Therefore, stress management
techniques would not be the best treatment option.
A pediatric patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is coughing frequently.
Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to guide this patient's care?
Communication: Verbal, Impaired
Infection, Risk for
Airway Clearance, Ineffective
Knowledge, Readiness for Enhanced - Answer-Airway Clearance, Ineffective
A pediatric patient with GERD often has clinical symptoms that affect the respiratory
system. The most appropriate diagnosis for this patient is impaired airway clearance.
While the other diagnoses may be appropriate for an adult patient with GERD, they are
not appropriate for the pediatric patient who is exhibiting respiratory symptoms
associated with GERD.
The nurse provides teaching to a pregnant patient who reports symptoms of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) keeping her awake at night.
Which statement should the nurse identify that indicates the need for further teaching?
