A patient with a chronic hiatal hernia experiences the following. Which action should the nurse advise the patient to avoid?

Choice A rationale
Assuring the patient that the problem is temporary may not be accurate. Postoperative dysphagia could indicate a complication from the surgery, such as the stomach fundus being wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction. It’s important to not dismiss the patient’s concerns without proper assessment.
Choice B rationale
Cutting the food into small pieces might help the patient swallow easier, but it does not address the underlying issue. The patient’s difficulty in swallowing could be a sign of a serious problem that needs medical attention.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the observation to the healthcare provider (HCP) is the correct action. After the repair of a paraesophageal hernia, dysphagia should be reported to the HCP. The corrective fundoplication surgery may have the stomach fundus wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction.
Choice D rationale

Offering the patient liquids instead might alleviate the symptom temporarily, but it does not solve the potential problem. The healthcare provider needs to be informed about the dysphagia to assess and treat the possible complication.

Choice A rationale
Taking histamine receptor antagonist medication as prescribed can help manage the symptoms of a hiatal hernia by reducing the production of stomach acid. This statement does not require correction.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks can help manage the symptoms of a hiatal hernia by using gravity to keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This statement does not require correction.
Choice C rationale
Lying down after meals can exacerbate the symptoms of a hiatal hernia by making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This action should be avoided.
Choice D rationale
Consuming small, frequent, bland meals can help manage the symptoms of a hiatal hernia by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced and preventing the stomach from becoming too full. This statement does not require correction.