A client has had severe heart burn associated with persistent gastroesophageal reflux for many years. Which of the following statements made by the client leads the nurse to suspect the client is having a complication related to his reflux?

The client is having:
A) Difficulty in swallowing with feelings that food is "stuck" in the throat
B) Burning sensation a half-hour after a meal
C) Substernal chest pain that radiates to the shoulder and arm
D) "Hoarseness" unrelieved by coughing or taking a drink of water


Ans: A
Feedback:
Complications can result from persistent reflux, which produces a cycle of mucosal damage that causes hyperemia, edema, and erosion of the luminal surface. Strictures are caused by a combination of scar tissue, spasm, and edema, which narrow the esophagus. The most frequent symptom of gastroesophageal reflux is heartburn. Other symptoms include belching, wheezing, chronic cough, hoarseness, and epigastric or retrosternal area chest pain, radiating to the throat, shoulder, or back. Because of its location, the pain may be confused with angina.

Health & Biomechanics

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