A nurse is providing instructions to a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The nurse should include which information?

Explanation

• A patient with GERD should take steps to reduce gastric acid secretion and reflux.

• The patient should eat frequent, smaller meals to avoid over distention and reflux.

• Coffee, chocolate, spicy foods and alcohol can increase gastric acid secretion and decrease esophageal sphincter tone.

• The head of the bed should be elevated to prevent reflux while sleeping.

• Drinking a lot of water with meals should be avoided because this can cause the stomach to be over-distended and cause reflux.

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