A nurse is reinforcing teaching about disease management with a client who has GERD. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Rationale: A. "You should eat three large meals and two snacks per day." Eating large meals increases gastric pressure and can worsen reflux symptoms by promoting the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Clients with GERD are advised to consume smaller, more frequent meals to reduce gastric distention. B. "You should elevate the head of the bed while sleeping." Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent nighttime reflux by using gravity to reduce the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. This is a key non-pharmacologic strategy in managing GERD symptoms during sleep. C. "You should only drink 2 cups of coffee per day." Coffee, regardless of the quantity, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate acid production. Rather than limiting intake to two cups, clients with GERD are often advised to avoid coffee altogether or monitor symptoms closely. D. "You should lay down for 1 hour following a meal." Lying down after eating increases the risk of acid reflux due to the horizontal position reducing the effect of gravity. Clients should remain upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after meals to minimize reflux episodes.