Final answer:
Eating 4 to 6 smaller meals a day can reduce symptoms of heartburn and dyspepsia in patients with a sliding hiatal hernia. Lifestyle changes like diet alterations, raising the bed head, and stopping smoking support this treatment. Antacids may also be recommended for symptom relief.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce the symptoms of heartburn and dyspepsia associated with a sliding hiatal hernia, one effective nursing intervention is having the patient eat 4 to 6 smaller meals each day. This helps to decrease the amount and acidity of reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. Other supportive lifestyle changes include avoiding foods that contribute to GERD, such as chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint, coffee, and alcohol; eating the last meal at least a couple of hours before bedtime; elevating the head of the bed; quitting smoking; and possibly weight loss if the patient is overweight. Physicians may also recommend the use of antacids to neutralize excess stomach acid and provide quick relief.