All of the following are factors that predispose a patient to the development of gastroesophageal reflux EXCEPT:
- hiatal hernia
- pregnancy
- scleroderma
- an incompetent esophageal sphincter
- pernicious anemia
Answer: E
Pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia has no correlation with GERD. It is an autoimmune destruction of the gastric parietal cells that make intrinsic factor. Signs and symptoms are not present until B12 levels are very low (and include peripheral neuropathies & ataxia)
Know Your Content Blueprint
Gastroesophageal reflux is covered as part of the NCCPA Content Blueprint GI and Nutrition (10%)
Review Topic: Gastroesophageal reflux disease