Step two consist of increasing the patients ppi to

symptoms persist, start step two. Step two consist of increasing the patients PPI to twice a day
for the next 4 to 8 weeks. If it continues at this point then refer the patient to a gastroenterologist
(Woo & Wynne, 2016). Woo & Wynne state “The step-down approach is most appropriate for
patients with moderate to severe disease and/or daily symptoms” (2016).
What labs or other diagnostic tests that are used to confirm GERD?
Diagnostic tests used to confirm GERD are the upper endoscopy and x-ray of the upper
digestive system. Woo & Wynne state “The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
recommends no routine testing for straightforward GERD” (2012). If a patient does not respond
to treatment of proton pump inhibitors twice a day then diagnostic testing would be done because
then there is a concern of gastric malignancy or misdiagnosis (Woo & Wynne, 2016).
References
Buttaro, T. M., Trybulski, J., Polgar-Bailey, P., Sandberg-Cook, J. (2017). Primary care: A
collaborative practice, 5th Edition.
Henricks, M., (2016). GERD treatment. Retrieved from
Woo, T. M., Wynne, A. L., (2016). Pharmacotherapeutics for nurse practitioner
prescribers, 3rd Edition.