NCLEX Review & Nursing School

GERD/ GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

• INAPPROPRIATE RELAXATION OF THE LES
• THE BACKFLOW OF GI CONTENTS INTO ESOPHAGUS
• GASTRIC ACID AND PEPSIN CAUSES TISSUE INJURY
• RESULTS IN A BARRET’S EPITHELIUM

ASSESSMENT

• ♣ DYSPEPSIA (HEART BURN) PAIN THAT UP AND DOWN THE CHEST REGION.
• REGURGITATION (MONITOR FOR CRACKLES IN LUNGS) ASPIRATION RISK.
• HYPERSALIVATION
• DYSPHAGIA (DUE TO NARROWING OF ESHPAGUS/ CONSTRICTION)

Treatment
– Administration of Antacids (Neutralizes the acidity)
– Mylanta, Maalox

ADVERSE REACTIONS

• Calcium carbonate can cause constipation.
• Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea.
• Aluminum-containing antacids can cause constipation.

– Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) reduces the production of acid.
– lanzoprazole, omeprazole

 Side Effects

• headache
• nausea
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• fatigue, and dizziness

– Histamine H2 Blockers (decreases the production of acid)

***Decreased sexual ability (especially in patients with Zollinger-Ellison disease )

Side Effects

• Constipation
• Decrease in sexual desire
• Diarrhea
• Difficult urination
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dryness of mouth or skin
• Headache