Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
A nurse is instructing a client who has GERD about positions that can help minimize the effects of reflux during sleep. Which of the following statements indicates to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: "I will lie on my left side to sleep at night." This position helps prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus due to the anatomical positioning of the stomach and esophagus. When lying on the left side, the stomach is positioned below the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of reflux.
Incorrect choices:
B: Lying on the right side can worsen reflux symptoms as it allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily.
C: Sleeping on the back with the head flat may not be as effective in preventing reflux compared to the left side position.
D: Sleeping on the stomach with the head flat can exacerbate reflux symptoms by putting pressure on the stomach and pushing acid back up into the esophagus.
Incorrect choices:
B: Lying on the right side can worsen reflux symptoms as it allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily.
C: Sleeping on the back with the head flat may not be as effective in preventing reflux compared to the left side position.
D: Sleeping on the stomach with the head flat can exacerbate reflux symptoms by putting pressure on the stomach and pushing acid back up into the esophagus.