Final answer:
One of the risk factors that the nurse should assess for in a client with a hiatal hernia is obesity. Other risk factors include poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hiatal hernia is a condition where a part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. One of the risk factors that the nurse should assess for in a client with a hiatal hernia is obesity. Excess weight puts pressure on the stomach and can contribute to the development of a hiatal hernia.
Other risk factors that may increase the risk of a hiatal hernia include poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use. These factors can weaken the muscles and tissues surrounding the diaphragm, making it easier for the stomach to herniate.