To start, I will inform go over basic patient education on what gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) is. I would reiterate the importance of understanding GERD and its relations to his
symptoms reported. I will note the gastrointestinal system and compare it to the effects of GERD, in
short noting that GERD is a complex disorder. Burchum and Rosenthal (2019) informs that GERD is
caused by a failure in the lower esophageal sphincter to stay completely closed, this results to acidic
particles from the stomach to travel into the throat (esophagus). The gastric content leads to
symptoms such as heartburn however, other symptoms includes, chest pain, dysphagia, odynophagia,
pain, and nausea (Stein, et al., 2020). I will stress the importance of implementing a healthy diet and
adhering to appropriate times recommended for food consumptions to avoid gastric related
symptoms.
I will inform the patient that his understanding and compliance is vital to prevent inferior
health outcomes. Perhaps, showing the patient how to use mobile apps for GERD assist with
comprehending what GERD is and how it works may increase understanding (Bobian, et al, 2017).
As it relates to the patient diet, I will inform that his meal consumption (diet) in addition to alcohol
should be avoided or limited to prevent his GERD symptoms (Burchum & Rosenthal, 2019). The
evening meals and irregular meal patterns, and fatty food, fried, sour, spicy food/products, acidity
juices, tomatoes and tomato preserves, chocolate, coffee/tea, carbonated beverages, alcohol are
triggers for GERD symptoms (Taraszewska, 2021). I will inform that he should limit or avoid those
and the likelihood of his symptoms would decrease (Burchum & Rosenthal).
Burchum and Rosenthal (2019) noted that Omeprazole is normally taken for 4-8 weeks, this
prodrug helps to block the common pathway of gastric acid and actives within 2hours of taking it. It
is recommended to start with the low dosage. It is important that the patient adjust his diet and stick
to a healthy regular pattern to eat along with healthier lifestyle habits to avoid GERD symptom as
GERD is not GERD but can be controlled with treatment (Burchum & Rosenthal, 2019).
References
Bobian M, Kandinov A, El-Kashlan N, et al. (2017). Mobile applications and patient education: Are
currently available GERD mobile apps sufficient? The Laryngoscope. 127(8):1775-1779.
doi:10.1002/lary.26341
Burchum, J. R., & Rosenthal, L. D. (2019). Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care (10th ed.). St.
Louis, MO: Elsevier
Stein E, Sloan J, Sonu I, Kathpalia P, Jodorkovsky D. (2020). GERD for the nongastroenterologist:
successful evaluation, management, and lifestyle‐based symptom control. Annals of the New
York Academy of Sciences, 1482(1):106-112. doi:10.1111/nyas.14496
Taraszewska A. (2021). Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms related to
lifestyle and diet. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny;72 (1):21-28.
