NCLEX Practice Test

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? Select all that apply.

1. "I have switched from coffee to decaffeinated herbal tea in the mornings."

2. "I plan to join a smoking-cessation program."

3. "I prefer to eat three large meals a day and avoid snacking."

4. "I prop myself up on a couple of pillows when I go to sleep."

5. "I will switch to low-fat dairy products and avoid high-fat foods."

The correct answer is: "I have switched from coffee to decaffeinated herbal tea in the mornings."

The statement indicating a correct understanding about lifestyle choices that can help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the one about switching from coffee to decaffeinated herbal tea in the mornings. This choice is beneficial as caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which may exacerbate GERD symptoms. Decaffeinated herbal tea is a gentler alternative that typically has a lower chance of triggering reflux. In addition, the statements regarding smoking cessation, the use of pillows for elevation while sleeping, and choosing low-fat dairy products and avoiding high-fat foods also contribute positively to managing GERD symptoms. Smoking is known to weaken the esophageal sphincter, and smoking cessation can help improve overall gastrointestinal health. Elevating the head during sleep helps prevent nighttime reflux, and low-fat options tend to be less irritating to the esophagus compared to high-fat foods, which can increase reflux symptoms. On the other hand, eating three large meals a day can be problematic since larger meals may lead to increased pressure in the stomach, contributing to reflux. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally recommended for individuals with GERD. Therefore, while the statement about herbal tea reflects an understanding of dietary changes that can help alleviate symptoms, the overall combination of choices