Description
Answer all discussion questions based on the patient profile. Answers should be 5-6 sentences long.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Patient ProfileC.S. is a 49-year-old male who goes to the health care provider because he is experiencing heartburn more frequently and it is keeping him awake at night. He had asthma as a child. He is currently taking Mylanta as needed for heartburn. Subjective Data
Has had occasional heartburn about once a week for a few years, but in the last couple of months it has become more frequent and is now occurring almost daily
Describes the pain as a burning pain in his sternal area that is relieved by drinking milk or taking Mylanta
Pain worsens after he goes to bed and he has been having difficulty sleeping
Denies any nausea or vomiting Objective Data
Temperature 98.4° F, pulse 78, respirations 16, blood pressure 124/70
Height 60, weight 270 lb
Physical exam normal, no abdominal pain or tenderness noted Discussion Questions
1. As the admitting nurse, describe the additional history you would obtain from C.S. 2. The health care provider informs C.S. that he probably has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What is GERD? What are some of the predisposing factors for GERD? 3. Identify key findings from the assessment that led the health care provider to suspect that C. S. has GERD and describe their significance. 4. You are counseling C.S. on lifestyle modifications. What should you include for C.S.? 5. The health care provider prescribes omeprazole for C.S. and instructs him to return for a follow-up visit in two weeks if his symptoms do not improve. What is the mechanism of action of omeprazole and the rationale for returning only if symptoms persist? 6. If medications and lifestyle modifications are not effective at eliminating the symptoms of GERD, what is another option?
