An adult patient with a BMI of 39 who smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day is diagnosed with erosive esophagitis through upper GI endoscopy.The patient is now refusing all medications and states "I'm not getting hooked on any pills." What would the nurse recommend for the multidisciplinary collaborative plan?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the patient is refusing medication, it is important to explore non-pharmacological interventions. A 24-hour recall of usual food content, intake, and meal times can identify triggers and irritants that exacerbate esophageal inflammation. This information can then be used to recommend dietary modifications that can alleviate symptoms without dependence on medication. Elevation of the foot of the bed is also a helpful intervention, but it may not be sufficient for a patient with severe erosive esophagitis. A surgical consult may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not clear from the scenario whether surgery is indicated. Omitting the pharmacist notification of the Multidisciplinary Team meeting would be inappropriate and could compromise the patient's care.

An Adult Patient with a BMI of 39 Who Smokes