A patient who has been diagnosed with GERD is reluctant to make suggested lifestyle changes. What ...

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Rationale 1: Esophagitis is a possible complication of GERD.
Rationale 2: Approximately 10 of those with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus, which is associated with increased risk of cancer.
Rationale 3: Medications may be somewhat effective even if lifestyle changes are not made.
Rationale 4: The nurse should not determine if the patient will think the lifestyle changes are not so bad.
Rationale 5: It is unknown what this particular patient will experience if treatment is not undertaken.

Global Rationale: Esophagitis is a possible complication of GERD. Approximately 10 of those with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus, which is associated with increased risk of cancer. Medications may be somewhat effective even if lifestyle changes are not made. The nurse should not determine if the patient will think the lifestyle changes are not so bad. It is unknown what this particular patient will experience if treatment is not undertaken.