A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient with severe Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease. Which of these statements by the patient indicates a need for

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient with severe Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease. Which of these statements by the patient indicates a need for more teaching?

1. “I’m going to limit my meals to 2-3 per day to reduce acid secretion.”

2. “I’m going to make sure to remain upright after meals and elevate my head when I sleep”

3. “I won’t be drinking tea or coffee or eating chocolate any more.”

4. “I’m going to start trying to lose some weight.”

Ans: 1. “I’m going to limit my meals to 2-3 per day to reduce acid secretion.”
CORRECT – Large meals increase the volume and pressure in the stomach and delay gastric emptying. It’s recommended instead to eat 4-6 small meals a day.

The nurse in the Emergency Room is treating a patient suspected to have a Peptic Ulcer. On assessing lab results, the nurse finds that the patient’s blood pressure is 95/60, pulse is 110 beats per minute, and the patient reports epigastric pain. What is the PRIORITY intervention?

1. Start a large-bore IV in the patient’s arm
2. Ask the patient for a stool sample
3. Prepare to insert an NG Tube
4. Administer intramuscular morphine sulphate as ordered

1. Start a large-bore IV in the patient’s arm
CORRECT – The nurse should suspect that the patient is haemorrhaging and will need need a fluid replacement therapy, which requires a large bore IV.

A female patient with atrial fibrillation has the following lab results: Hemoglobin of 11 g/dl, a platelet count of 150,000, an INR of 2.5, and potassium of 2.7 mEq/L. Which result is critical and should be reported to the physician immediately?

1. Hemoglobin 11 g/dl
2. Platelet of 150,000
3. INR of 2.5
4. Potassium of 2.7 mEq/L

Ans: 4. Potassium of 2.7 mEq/L
CORRECT – A potassium imbalance for a patient with a history of dysrhythmia can be life-threatening and can lead to cardiac distress.