A nurse is constructing a teaching plan for a patient with a hiatal hernia. What should be included in this plan to help reduce the complaints of heartburn, regurgitation, and eructation?

A. Serotonin antagonists: Serotonin antagonists are effective for nausea caused by chemotherapy or other medical treatments but are not the first line of treatment for motion sickness.

B. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are used for inflammation and immune response modulation but are not effective in preventing motion sickness.

C. Phenothiazines: While phenothiazines (e.g., promethazine) are used to treat nausea and vomiting, they are less commonly used for motion sickness prevention compared to anticholinergics.

D. Anticholinergics: Anticholinergic medications like scopolamine are the most effective for preventing motion sickness. They work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in nausea and vomiting.

A. Lying down 1 hour after eating: Lying down after eating can worsen symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux, so it is generally discouraged for patients with hiatal hernia.

B. Eating three well-balanced meals: While eating balanced meals is important, it's not specifically recommended for reducing heartburn or regurgitation in patients with a hiatal hernia. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally better.

C. Eating nothing for several hours before bedtime: Avoiding food for several hours before bedtime allows the stomach to empty, reducing the risk of acid reflux, heartburn, and regurgitation.

D. Sleeping without pillows: Patients with hiatal hernias are often advised to sleep with the head elevated (using pillows) to prevent acid reflux while sleeping.