A patient has been diagnosed with reflux esophagitis (GERD). What instruction by the healthcare professional is most appropriate?
A)Exercise soon after eating to increase gastric emptying.
B)Try these proton-pump inhibitors for 2 weeks.
C)You need to schedule an upper GI endoscopy soon.
D)Over-the-counter antiemetics work well for this condition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abnormalities in lower esophageal sphincter function, esophageal motility, and gastric motility or emptying can cause GERD. Delayed gastric emptying contributes to reflux esophagitis by (1) lengthening the period during which reflux is possible and (2) increasing the acid content of chyme. A treatment of choice for this condition is proton-pump inhibitors, so the healthcare professional would educate the patient on taking these medications. Increasing gastric motility may help GERD, but exercising soon after eating may promote vomiting and other GI distress. If GERD cannot be controlled, an endoscopy may be needed to refine the diagnosis and assess for cancerous changes. Antiemetics will not help in this condition.

A Patient Has Been Diagnosed with Reflux Esophagitis (GERD)