Question

50.A patient with a hiatal hernia is experiencing heartburn. Which should the nurse suggest to this patient?

a. Eat large meals.
b. Avoid bedtime snacks.
c. Sleep flat without a pillow.
d. Recline 1 hour before meals.

Answer 1

The nurse should suggest the patient avoid bedtime snacks. Decreasing portion size and eating the last meal of the day at least a couple of hours before bedtime may reduce the risk of heartburn. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can also help control the backflow of acids into the esophagus from the stomach.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should suggest the patient avoid bedtime snacks to help reduce heartburn caused by a hiatal hernia.

Also, it is advisable to decrease portion size and eat the last meal of the day at least a couple of hours before bedtime.

Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can also help control the backflow of acids into the esophagus from the stomach.