A nurse is collecting data from a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reports having heartburn every night. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the client's heartburn?
Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow
Eating dinner early in the evening
Drinking orange juice regularly
Consuming low-fat meats
The Correct Answer is C
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. Orange juice is highly acidic, and consuming acidic foods and beverages can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD. The acidic nature of orange juice can irritate the esophagus and contribute to increased acid reflux, leading to heartburn.
Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow can actually help alleviate symptoms of GERD by elevating the head and upper body, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux during sleep.
Eating dinner early in the evening is generally recommended for individuals with GERD as it allows sufficient time for digestion before lying down. This can help prevent acid reflux during sleep.
Consuming low-fat meats is also a favorable choice for individuals with GERD as fatty foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. However, the options provided do not include any fatty foods, so it is not the primary contributing factor to the client's heartburn in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It is prescribed for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers. One of the primary goals of esomeprazole is to alleviate stomach pain and discomfort associated with excessive stomach acid.
The other statements mentioned are not directly related to the effectiveness of esomeprazole: "My feet are no longer sore and itchy": Sore and itchy feet are not typical symptoms relieved by esomeprazole. This statement does not indicate the medication's effectiveness.
"I can move my joints more easily": Improved joint mobility is not a direct effect of esomeprazole. This statement does not relate to the medication's purpose.
"My bowel movements have increased in frequency and are much softer": Esomeprazole primarily affects stomach acid production and is not directly related to bowel movements. This statement is not indicative of the medication's effectiveness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When reinforcing teaching about cimetidine with a client who has peptic ulcer disease, the nurse should include the following information:
"Wait at least 1 hour after taking the medication before taking an antacid.": Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production. Taking an antacid too close in time to cimetidine may decrease its effectiveness as antacids can interfere with its absorption. The nurse should advise the client to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the timing and administration of cimetidine and antacids.
The following statements are incorrect or not applicable:
"Expect breast tenderness while taking this medication.": Breast tenderness is not a common side effect of cimetidine. If the client experiences any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking the medication, they should consult their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
"Take this medication on an empty stomach.": To reduce stomach upset, this medication should be taken with food or milk
"Take ibuprofen for occasional aches and pains.": Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers. In individuals with peptic ulcer disease, it is generally recommended to avoid NSAIDs unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider. The nurse should emphasize the importance of discussing any pain management strategies or medications with the healthcare provider before use.
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