A nurse is collecting data from a patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reports experiencing heartburn every night.
Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the patient’s heartburn?

Choice A rationale
Weighing the patient weekly may not be sufficient in the case of cirrhosis with ascites. Fluid accumulation can occur rapidly, and more frequent weight checks may be necessary.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the patient flat in bed is not typically recommended for patients with ascites, as this can increase pressure on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult.
Choice C rationale
Measuring the patient’s abdominal girth every 8 hours is a common nursing intervention for patients with ascites. It allows for monitoring of fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Choice D rationale
While managing discomfort is important, acetaminophen should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease, as the liver is involved in drug metabolism.

Choice A rationale
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It typically causes severe, cramping pain that is constant and usually located in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Choice B rationale
While diarrhea can occur with diverticulitis, it is not the primary symptom used to describe the pain associated with this condition.
Choice C rationale
Sudden onset of pain is not typically associated with diverticulitis. The pain from diverticulitis is usually constant and located in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Choice D rationale
Pain located in the right lower quadrant is more commonly associated with conditions such as appendicitis, not diverticulitis.