A patient who recently began having mild symptoms of GERD is reluctant to take medication. What measures will the nurse recommend to minimize this patient's symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
Avoiding hot, spicy foods
Avoiding tobacco products
Drinking a glass of red wine with dinner
Eating a snack before bedtime
Using a small pillow for sleeping
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A. Avoiding hot, spicy foods
Spicy foods can increase the production of stomach acid and may irritate the esophagus, worsening GERD symptoms. Avoiding hot and spicy foods is a dietary measure to minimize the risk of symptom exacerbation.
B. Avoiding tobacco products
Tobacco use is a known risk factor for GERD. Smoking can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Advising the patient to quit or avoid tobacco products can contribute to symptom management.
C. Drinking a glass of red wine with dinner
While red wine may have some potential benefits, alcohol, in general, can relax the LES, leading to increased reflux. Therefore, drinking red wine with dinner may not be recommended for someone experiencing GERD symptoms.
D. Eating a snack before bedtime
Eating close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of GERD symptoms, as lying down may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The nurse may advise against eating a snack right before bedtime to minimize nighttime reflux.
E. Using a small pillow for sleeping
Elevating the head and upper body during sleep can help prevent stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. Using a small pillow for sleeping is a measure to reduce nighttime reflux and alleviate GERD symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Combination therapy has the best outcomes when omeprazole, propranolol, bismuth salicylate are used.
Propranolol is not an antibiotic and is not part of the standard combination therapy for H. pylori. Bismuth subsalicylate may be used in some regimens, but the standard involves a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin or metronidazole.
B. Combination therapy has the best outcomes when omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin are used.
This is the correct choice. The standard combination therapy for H. pylori infection includes a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole), clarithromycin, and amoxicillin or metronidazole.
C. The use of sucralfate along with antibiotics is the best combination therapy for peptic ulcer disease.
Sucralfate is not typically part of the standard antibiotic combination therapy for H. pylori. It is a cytoprotective agent that may be used to treat ulcers but is not a primary component in eradicating H. pylori.
D. Various antibiotics are used to eradicate the bacteria that are responsible for the development of peptic ulcer disease.
While this statement is true, it does not specify the standard combination therapy. The most common antibiotics used in combination therapy for H. pylori include clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole, along with a proton pump inhibitor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I need to increase my fluid intake." - This is a correct statement. Sucralfate should be taken with plenty of water to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
B. "I need to report pain or vomiting of blood." - This is also a correct statement. Severe abdominal pain or vomiting of blood may indicate a serious issue and should be reported to the healthcare provider.
C. "I need to take Carafate 30 minutes after meals." - This is an incorrect statement. Sucralfate is typically taken on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.
D. "I need to take Maalox 30 minutes before or after Carafate." - This statement is correct. Antacids like Maalox can interfere with the absorption of sucralfate. It's generally recommended to space them apart, taking sucralfate at least 30 minutes before or after antacids.

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