The nurse is planning care for a client with a direct (sliding) hiatal hernia. Nursing actions should be planned to meet which goal?
Prevent esophageal reflux.
Maintain intact oral mucosa.
Increase intestinal peristalsis.
Promote effective swallowing.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale for Choice A:
Direct (sliding) hiatal hernias: These are the most common type of hiatal hernia. They occur when the upper part of the stomach slides upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This displacement disrupts the normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The LES is responsible for preventing stomach contents from refluxing back into the esophagus.
Esophageal reflux: When the LES is weakened or impaired, stomach acid, pepsin, and bile can flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and irritation of the esophageal lining.
Prevention of esophageal reflux: Nursing actions aimed at preventing esophageal reflux are crucial in the management of hiatal hernias. These actions include:
Elevate the head of the bed: This helps to keep stomach contents below the level of the esophagus, reducing the risk of reflux. Avoid eating large meals: Large meals put more pressure on the stomach, which can increase the likelihood of reflux.
Avoid lying down after eating: Lying down can allow stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus more easily. Avoid foods that trigger reflux: Common triggers include fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to reflux.
Consider medications: If lifestyle changes are not enough to control reflux, medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed.
Rationale for Choice B:
Maintaining intact oral mucosa: This is not a primary goal in the care of a client with a hiatal hernia. While oral hygiene is important for overall health, it does not directly address the issue of esophageal reflux.
Rationale for Choice C:
Increasing intestinal peristalsis: This is not a relevant goal for a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias primarily affect the upper digestive tract, not the intestines.
Rationale for Choice D:
Promoting effective swallowing: This is not the most important goal in the care of a client with a hiatal hernia. While swallowing difficulties can occur in some cases, they are not the primary concern. The priority is to prevent esophageal reflux and its associated complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that decreases gastric acid secretion. It is often used to treat conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heartburn.
Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline, and pantoprazole are all medications used in the treatment of H. pylori infection. However, these medications can interact with famotidine, potentially leading to decreased efficacy or increased side effects.
Therefore, it is important for the nurse to review the client's electronic medical record for any current or recent use of famotidine before administering the H. pylori treatment regimen. This will help to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication. It is not typically used in the treatment of H. pylori infection and is not known to interact with the medications used in this regimen.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirin is a salicylate medication that is often used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It can also be used to prevent blood clots. However, aspirin can interact with bismuth subsalicylate, potentially leading to increased risk of bleeding.
Therefore, it is important for the nurse to assess the client's risk of bleeding before administering the H. pylori treatment regimen if they are also taking aspirin.
Choice D rationale:
Ipratropium is a bronchodilator medication that is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not typically used in the treatment of H. pylori infection and is not known to interact with the medications used in this regimen.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Gravity Facilitates Drainage:
Positioning the patient strategically utilizes gravity to encourage the flow of fluids and secretions away from the surgical site. This aids in preventing fluid accumulation and potential infection.
Reduces Pressure on Surgical Site:
Certain positions can minimize pressure on the incision and internal organs, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
This is particularly important for patients with comorbidities like hypertension and heart failure, as they may have impaired wound healing and be more susceptible to respiratory complications.
Enhances Respiratory Function:
Specific positions can improve lung expansion and ventilation, which is essential for patients with a history of heart failure or respiratory issues.
This helps prevent atelectasis (collapsed lung areas) and pneumonia, which are common postoperative risks.
Common Post-Cholecystectomy Positions:
Semi-Fowler's Position:
The head of the bed is elevated 30-45 degrees, with knees slightly bent.
This position eases breathing, reduces pressure on the incision, and promotes drainage of fluids. Right Side-Lying Position:
The patient lies on their right side with a pillow between their knees.
This position encourages drainage from the liver and gallbladder, aiding in bile flow. Left Side-Lying Position:
The patient lies on their left side with a pillow between their knees.
This position promotes drainage from the stomach and pancreas, assisting in digestion. Supine Position:
The patient lies flat on their back with a pillow under their knees.
This position may be used for short periods, but prolonged supine positioning can increase pressure on the incision and lungs. High Fowler's Position:
The head of the bed is elevated 60-90 degrees, with knees slightly bent.
This position is often used for patients with respiratory issues or difficulty breathing, as it improves lung expansion.
Choice C rationale:
Performing drainage immediately after meals aids in efficient removal of bile and gastric secretions, preventing complications such as:
Bile Reflux:
Delayed drainage can cause bile to back up into the stomach, leading to nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. Infection:
Accumulation of fluids in the surgical site can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Pancreatitis:
In rare cases, delayed drainage can cause inflammation of the pancreas due to obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
I'll address the rationales for choices A and D in the following sections.
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