Final answer:
To reduce emesis in infants with GER, a nurse can advise dietary changes, smaller meal portions, head elevation during sleep, and keeping the infant upright post-feeding. Avoidance of specific triggers and lifestyle modifications can help to prevent acid reflux episodes.
Step-by-step explanation:
To assist in reducing the episodes of emesis in an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GER), the nurse can offer several suggestions. These include avoiding dietary triggers such as chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. It's also recommended to decrease portion sizes and to ensure that the infant's last meal of the day is given well before bedtime.
Additional lifestyle changes can be helpful, such as elevating the head during sleep to use gravity to help control the backflow of stomach acids. Quitting smoking is particularly relevant for adults with GERD but not for infants, of course. For infants, proper head elevation during feeding and while sleeping is recommended. Moreover, making sure that the baby maintains an upright position for 20 to 30 minutes following feeding can be beneficial. Obesity is a risk factor for GERD in adults, but maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition can be a preventive strategy for infants as they grow.
Overall, these strategies aim to minimize the acid reflux that contributes to GER and the consequent vomiting. Oral rehydration may be necessary if the infant experiences significant fluid loss due to emesis, though this is more commonly a treatment for gastroenteritis.