In This Assignment You Will Review A Case That Deals With A

In This Assignment You Will Review A Case That Deals With a Client Who

In this assignment you will review a case that deals with a client who has GERD. Mrs. G. is a 45-year-old female who arrives at the emergency department with complaints of burning pain in her chest and throat, and a sour taste in her mouth. She reports that this pain has persisted for years after eating certain foods. Mrs. G. comes from a large, extended family and is involved in cooking for her family, believing that her special recipes are beneficial for her and her family. She is proud of her cooking contributions and considers them an important part of her family life.

Mrs. G. is Hispanic and enjoys preparing traditional dishes. She has never been seriously ill and prefers not to take pills unless necessary. In the emergency department, she is diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and the physician prescribes medications including a proton pump inhibitor (Prilosec) and a Histamine 2 blocker (Pepcid). She is instructed to take the proton pump inhibitor at home for the next two weeks. After starting treatment, Mrs. G. begins to feel better and is deemed ready for discharge. The healthcare provider assigns you the task of providing patient education and discharge instructions regarding GERD.

Paper For Above instruction

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition characterized by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and sour taste in the mouth. Management of GERD involves not only pharmacological therapy but also significant lifestyle and dietary modifications to reduce reflux episodes and improve quality of life. Patient education is vital in ensuring effective management and in preventing disease progression or complications such as esophageal ulcers or Barrett's esophagus.

Dietary Suggestions: Patients with GERD should adopt dietary habits that minimize reflux. Those individuals are advised to avoid foods and beverages that decrease the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure or irritate the esophageal mucosa. Such foods include spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, and carbonated beverages (Kahrilas, 2018). Emphasizing a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help manage symptoms. Smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals can help reduce stomach distension and reflux episodes. Additionally, patients should avoid eating close to bedtime; it is recommended to have their last meal at least 2-3 hours before lying down.

Foods and Liquids to Avoid: Specifically, Mrs. G. should limit or avoid spicy dishes, fried foods, tomato-based products, alcohol, and caffeine. Acidic beverages such as citrus juices and carbonated drinks may exacerbate symptoms. Smoking should also be avoided as nicotine relaxes the LES, increasing reflux risk (Mayer et al., 2019). Staying hydrated with water is encouraged, but she should avoid excessive intake during meals to prevent gastric distension.

Lifestyle Modifications: In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle modifications are essential. Mrs. G. should maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can increase intra-abdominal pressure and promote reflux (Gerson & Gibbons, 2016). Elevating the head of the bed by 6-8 inches can prevent nighttime reflux. Wearing loose-fitting clothing around the abdomen also helps reduce pressure. Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption further reduces LES relaxation. Besides dietary and positional changes, stress management techniques can contribute to symptom control, as stress can exacerbate reflux symptoms.

Barriers in Implementing Changes and Strategies to Overcome Them: Mrs. G. may face challenges in changing her traditional cooking habits, as she believes her recipes are integral to her family’s well-being. Resistance to altering cultural practices can be addressed by educating her about healthier modifications that retain flavor, such as using less spice or substituting ingredients with less irritating alternatives. Cost and accessibility of recommended foods may also pose barriers; community resources and meal planning can assist in making affordable adjustments. Additionally, social gatherings may involve foods that trigger reflux; planning ahead and bringing suitable dishes can help maintain her new regimen. Support from family members is crucial; involving them in education and shared lifestyle changes can foster adherence (Vaezi et al., 2017).

Conclusion: Effective management of GERD requires a combination of pharmacological treatment and comprehensive patient education on dietary and lifestyle modifications. Mrs. G.’s cultural background and cooking habits present unique challenges that can be addressed through respectful education, practical strategies, and family involvement. Empowering her with knowledge and support will facilitate adherence to lifestyle changes, ultimately reducing her symptoms and improving her quality of life.

References

• Gerson, L. B., & Gibbons, J. (2016). Lifestyle and Behavioral Modifications for GERD. Clinics in Chest Medicine, 37(4), 603–613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccm.2016.07.004
• Kahrilas, P. J. (2018). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(23), 2225-2233. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1807084
• Mayer, E. A., Fass, R., & Shaheen, N. J. (2019). American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Gastroenterology, 146(4), 951–963. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.016
• Vaezi, M. F., Vela, M. E., & Pandolfino, J. E. (2017). Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications in GERD. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 13(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2017.02.006