Fundamentals of Nursing Q 438

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Which of the following foods should be avoided by clients who are prone to develop heartburn as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

  

     A. Lettuce

     B. Eggs

     C. Chocolate

     D. Butterscotch

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Chocolate

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Ingestion of chocolate can reduce lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure leading to reflux and clinical symptoms of GERD. Ingesting cocoa can cause a surge of serotonin. This surge can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax and gastric contents to rise. Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate may also trigger acid reflux. All of the other foods do not affect LES pressure.

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Option A: Vegetables are naturally low in fat and sugar, and they help reduce stomach acid. Good options include green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, and cucumbers.

Option B: Egg whites are a good option. Stay away from egg yolks, though, which are high in fat and may trigger reflux symptoms. Reflux symptoms may result from stomach acid touching the esophagus and causing irritation and pain.

Option D: The foods the patient eats affect the amount of acid the stomach produces. Eating the right kinds of food is key to controlling acid reflux or GERD, a severe, chronic form of acid reflux. Sources of healthy fats include avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Reduce the intake of saturated fats and trans fats and replace them with these healthier unsaturated fats.

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