Patient and family education is important in increasing adherence. To provide education to patient and families, you are going to create a poster about a gastrointestinal disorder that will be displayed in a physician’s office.
Instructions
Please be sure to include the following in your poster design.
Overview of the disorder
Causes of the disorder
Diagnostic tests to diagnosis the disorder
Assessment findings
Multidimensional nursing care interventions for the disorder
Full Answer Section
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause GERD due to hormonal changes and the pressure of the growing baby on the stomach.
Diagnostic tests:
GERD can be diagnosed with a number of tests, including:
- Esophageal pH monitoring: This test measures the amount of acid in the esophagus over a period of 24-48 hours.
- Upper endoscopy: This test uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- Manometry: This test measures the pressure in the esophagus.
Assessment findings:
The most common assessment findings for GERD include:
- Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can travel up into the neck and throat. It is usually worse after eating and lying down.
- Regurgitation: Regurgitation is the bringing up of undigested food or liquid into the mouth.
- Sour taste in the mouth: GERD can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the presence of stomach acid.
- Chronic cough: GERD can cause a chronic cough due to the irritation of the airways from stomach acid.
Multidimensional nursing care interventions:
Multidimensional nursing care interventions for GERD include:
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can help to reduce the symptoms of GERD. These changes include eating smaller meals more often, avoiding trigger foods and beverages, and losing weight if overweight or obese.
- Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat GERD. These medications include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat GERD. Surgery involves tightening the LES or creating a new valve between the stomach and esophagus.
Poster Design:
The poster design should be visually appealing and easy to read. The text should be large and clear, and the images should be relevant to the topic. The poster should include the following information:
- Title: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Overview: A brief overview of GERD, including the definition, causes, and symptoms.
- Diagnostic tests: A list of the diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose GERD.
- Assessment findings: A list of the most common assessment findings for GERD.
- Multidimensional nursing care interventions: A list of multidimensional nursing care interventions for GERD.
The poster should also include a contact number or website where patients and families can learn more about GERD.
Sample Answer
Poster Design: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Overview:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back up (refluxes) into the esophagus. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus.
Causes:
GERD can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- A weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES): The LES is a valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. A weakened LES can allow acid to reflux into the esophagus.
- Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can weaken the LES and lead to GERD.
- Increased stomach acid production: Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, chocolate, and fatty foods, can increase stomach acid production. This can lead to GERD.