- Introduction to Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Assessment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Nursing Diagnosis for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Outcomes of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Interventions of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Rationales of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Evaluation of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction to Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder caused by the abnormal flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms may include heartburn, sour taste, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. GERD can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, proper diet, and medication.
Assessment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The assessment for GERD includes evaluation of the patient’s medical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The medical history should include information about any medications, alcohol use, smoking, and other dietary or lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development of GERD. In the physical exam, doctors will look for signs of inflammation in the upper digestive tract as well as any changes in the esophagus or stomach, such as narrowing or high acid levels.
The laboratory tests can help in assessing the amount of acid in the stomach and may include endoscopy, pH monitoring of the esophagus and gastric acid level testing. Imaging studies such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan can reveal any structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.
Nursing Diagnosis for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Common nursing diagnosis of GERD include:
- Impaired Skin/Tissue Integrity related to erosion from acid reflux
- Activity Intolerance related to compromised respiratory system
- Risk for Aspiration related to weakened valve between esophagus and stomach
- Altered Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to reduced appetite caused by nausea or painful swallowing
- Ineffective Health Maintenance related to the patient’s lack of knowledge of GERD care and maintenance
Outcomes of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The primary outcomes for patients with GERD include:
- Reduction of GERD symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, nausea, and difficulty in swallowing.
- Maintenance of optimal skin and tissue integrity.
- Preservation of pulmonary functioning.
- Adequate nutrition.
- Patient and family education about GERD prevention and management.
Interventions of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Interventions for GERD may include:
- Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding lying down after meals, smoking cessation, avoiding foods that trigger GERD symptoms, and elevating the head while sleeping.
- Medications such as antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and muscular relaxants.
- Surgery such as laparoscopic fundoplication or LINX device insertion.
Rationales of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The rationales for these interventions include:
- Lifestyle modifications will reduce the risk of developing GERD and alleviate the existing symptoms.
- Medications can reduce the amount of stomach acid produced or tighten the sphincter muscles between the stomach and esophagus to reduce reflux.
- Surgery can also reduce stomach acid production or reconstruct the weakened valve.
Evaluation of Nursing Care Plan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Evaluation of GERD management involves evaluating the patient’s response to the interventions, assessing the patient’s adherence to the treatment plan, and measuring the impact of the interventions on patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause considerable discomfort and impair quality of life. However, it can be effectively managed with proper lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and medications. Nursing care plans for GERD provide guidance to nurses in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the interventions for managing this disorder.
FAQs
- What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder caused by the abnormal flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus. - What are the common symptoms of GERD?
The common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, sour taste, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. - How is GERD managed?
GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes, proper diet, and medication. - What are the primary outcomes of GERD management?
The primary outcomes of gerd management are reduction of GERD symptoms, maintenance of optimal skin and tissue integrity, preservation of pulmonary functioning, adequate nutrition, and patient and family education about GERD prevention and management. - What are the interventions for GERD management?
Interventions for GERD may include lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery.
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