Risk for Aspiration related to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Nursing Care Plan for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
 
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease. GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach contents flowing back into the food pipe (esophagus). Backwash (reflux) irritate the lining of the esophagus and causes GERD.

Both disorders stomach acid and heartburn is a common digestive condition that many people experience from time to time.

Signs or symptoms of GERD:

• A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Dry cough.
• Hoarseness or sore throat.
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux).
• Sensation of a lump in the throat.

Nursing Diagnosis and Interventions for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Risk for aspiration related to barriers to swallow, decreased reflexes of the larynx and glottis to liquid reflux.

Goals: None of aspiration.

Expected outcomes:

• The client can breathe easy, normal breathing frequency.
• The client is able to swallow, chew without aspiration, and capable of performing oral hygiene.
• Patent airway, breathing easily, do not feel suffocated and no abnormal breath sounds.

Interventions:

• Monitor the level of consciousness, cough reflexes and the ability to swallow.
• Raise the head of 30-45 degrees after eating.
• Cut food into small pieces.
• Avoid eating when residue is still a lot.

Rationale:

• Increase the maximum lung expansion and airway clearance.
• Increase air filling the entire segment of the lung, mobilize and remove secretions.
• Avoid the risk of aspiration is too high.
• Gastroesophageal may limit expansion.