GERD

Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.

Back to conditions
GI / Liver / Pancreaslow priorityneeds review

GERD

Practice

Etiology / Pathophysiology

  • Lower esophageal sphincter weakness allows reflux of stomach contents.
  • Acid exposure irritates esophageal lining and causes heartburn or regurgitation.

Medications

ClassWhy it matters
GI acid reducersReduces acid exposure.

Nursing actions

  • Teach small meals, avoiding late meals, and elevating head of bed.
  • Review trigger foods and weight/smoking factors.
  • Report dysphagia, bleeding, or weight loss.

Complications

  • Esophagitis
  • Stricture
  • Aspiration
  • Barrett changes

NCLEX cues

  • Burning after meals and lying down.
  • Lifestyle teaching is testable.

Memory hooks

  • GERD goes up; keep head up.

Labs / Diagnostics

  • Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.

Review notes

  • Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.

Drive Pack cross references

GERDCondition