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 B
Explanation
After administering lactulose to a client with cirrhosis, the nurse should monitor for the adverse effects of diarrhea. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, which can occur in individuals with cirrhosis. One of the intended effects of lactulose is to promote bowel movements and reduce the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thus helping to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
While lactulose can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea, it is not typically associated with peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is often seen in cirrhosis due to fluid retention caused by liver dysfunction.
Dry mouth and headache are less commonly associated with lactulose use and are not typically the primary adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is the increased excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to low potassium levels in the body, known as hypokalemia. The other medications mentioned do not typically place the client at risk for hypokalemia: Acyclovir 400 mg PO twice daily: Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as herpes. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Cimetidine 300 mg PO four times per day: Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
Meloxicam 5 mg PO once daily: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
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