REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
BY: DANIELLE STEVENSON
THE ESOPHAGUS IS A TUBE THAT
CONNECTS FROM THE THROAT TO THE
STOMACH
WHAT IS GERD?
•Chronic digestive disease
•Occurs when stomach acid backflow into esophagus
•Acid irritates esophagus lining
NORMAL ESOPHAGUS VS
GERD
S&S
•Dyspepsia
•Heart Burn
•Nausea
•Chest Pain
•Sore throat
(Indigestion)
•Regurgitation
•Dysphagia
(difficulty swallowing)
•Hyper salivation
RISK FACTORS
1.Hiatal Hernia
2.Diet- Foods that relax LES
3.Drugs-Relax LES
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
•Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
(EGD)
•Esophageal pH monitoring
•Barium swallow
•Esophageal manometry
NURSING INTERVENTION
• Obtain signed consent from client
• Educate client on all procedures
•Verify gag reflex returns postprocedure
• Instruct client to keep a diary of symptoms MEDICATIONS
•Antacids
•Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
•Histamine (H2) Receptor
Antagonist
•Prokinetics
NURSING CONSIDERATION
FOR MEDS
•Antacids: Ensure drug isn 't contraindicated with other meds
•H2 Receptor Antagonist/PPI: Use cautiously in clients with COPD
• Prokinetic: Monitor client for extrapyramidal side effects
1. Parkinsonism
2. Tardive dyskinesia
3. Dystonic reactions
WHO’S PAYING ATTENTION?
NCLEX QUESTIONS!
Which of the following classifications of medications will help relieve symptoms of GERD?
(Select All That Apply)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Antacid
Histamines (H2) receptors antagonist
Opioid analgesics
Fiber laxatives
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Correct Answers: A, B, and E
Rationale: Antacids neutralize gastric acids, histamines (H2) receptors antagonists decrease the secretion of gastric acid, and proton pump inhibitors decrease the production off gastric acid.
D,C: Opioids analgesics and fiber laxatives are not effective in treating symptoms of
GERD.
A client who has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) complains of heartburn. To decrease the heartburn, the nurse should instruct the client to eliminate which of the following
References: http:// www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/basics/definit ion/con-20025201 PN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing Edition 8.0, ATI Nursing Education page, 485, chapter 42.