The nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client with a hiatal hernia. Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching is needed?

Question

The nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client with a hiatal hernia.  Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching is needed?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c9c8_9884_b433_a51e89410d55_MD0009_00 Hiatal hernia is a group of medical conditions characterized by abnormal movement of the stomach and/or esophagogastric junction into the chest due to a weakness in the diaphragm. Although hiatal hernias may be asymptomatic, many people experience heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia, and shortness of breath when the abdominal organs move into the chest. Symptoms of hiatal hernias are often exacerbated by increased abdominal pressure, which promotes upward movement of abdominal organs. Clients with hiatal hernias who are obese are often encouraged to lose excess weight by performing light activities (eg, short walks) because obesity increases abdominal pressure. However, nurses should teach clients to avoid activities that promote straining (eg, weight lifting), which increases abdominal pressure (Option D). (Options A and B) Sitting up for several hours after meals and sleeping with the head of the bed elevated at least 6 inches (15 cm) reduces upward movement of the hernia and decreases the risk of gastric reflux. (Option C) If symptoms of hiatal hernias are uncontrolled with home management (eg, weight loss, diet modification, positioning after meals), surgical revision of the diaphragm may be required to prevent organ movement. Educational objective: Hiatal hernia is characterized by abnormal movement of the stomach and/or esophagogastric junction into the chest due to diaphragmatic weakness. Nurses educating clients with hiatal hernias about symptom management should instruct them to avoid activities that increase abdominal pressure (eg, weight lifting), sleep with the head of the bed elevated, and remain upright for several hours after meals.

The Nurse Is Reinforcing Teaching to a Client with a Hiatal