The nurse is preparing to instruct a patient who is newly diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about dietary considerations. Which of the following should the nurse include in these instructions? Select all that apply.

Question

The nurse is preparing to instruct a patient who is newly diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about dietary considerations. Which of the following should the nurse include in these instructions?  Select all that apply.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) Peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, worsening GERD symptoms.
B) Large meals can increase pressure on the stomach and exacerbate GERD symptoms. Small, frequent meals can help alleviate symptoms.
C) Eating close to bedtime can increase the risk of acid reflux, so it is recommended to avoid eating up to three hours before bedtime. 
D) Citrus fruits can worsen GERD symptoms, so it is not recommended to eat at least one citrus fruit per day.
E) Alcohol can increase acid production and relax the lower esophageal sphincter, so it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day or avoid it altogether if possible. Limiting to two drinks per day may still exacerbate symptoms for some people.

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