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The nurse is reinforcing education about lifestyle choices to help reduce symptoms for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Which of the following statements by the client indicate a correct understanding?

a) "I will avoid lying down right after meals."
b) "I can continue to drink coffee in the evening."
c) "I will eat large meals to prevent frequent snacking."
d) "I should maintain a healthy weight."

User Tgoossens
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Final answer:

Correct statements to manage GERD include avoiding lying down after meals and maintaining a healthy weight. Large meals and evening coffee should be avoided as they can exacerbate symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When educating a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on lifestyle choices to reduce symptoms, certain statements can indicate a correct understanding of how to manage the condition. The statement, 'I will avoid lying down right after meals,' suggests an understanding that doing so may help decrease the risk of reflux occurring, as it allows gravity to help keep stomach contents in place. Additionally, 'I should maintain a healthy weight' is also correct as weight loss has been associated with an improvement in GERD symptoms. However, the claim 'I will eat large meals to prevent frequent snacking' is incorrect as smaller meals are recommended to avoid overfilling the stomach and increasing pressure that can lead to reflux. Lastly, 'I can continue to drink coffee in the evening' is not recommended for GERD patients as coffee can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, and its consumption, especially in the evening, can contribute to symptoms.

User Ssindelar
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