NCLEX Practice Test

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Prepare for the NCLEX Exam with comprehensive study aids. Utilize flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations to enhance your learning and boost your confidence. Get fully ready for your exam day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which lifestyle habit can help reduce symptoms for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Eating three large meals a day
Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated
Switching to regular coffee instead of decaffeinated
Using nicotine patches

The correct answer is: Eating three large meals a day

Eating three large meals a day can exacerbate symptoms of GERD by putting excess pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux. Instead, it is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals to help reduce symptoms. This approach can help reduce the likelihood of stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus, which is a common issue in GERD. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can also help prevent acid reflux during the night by gravity assisting in keeping stomach acid down. Switching to decaffeinated coffee rather than regular coffee helps as caffeine can trigger reflux symptoms. Using nicotine patches should be avoided, as nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased reflux symptoms.