A patient has been diagnosed with reflux esophagitis (GERD). What instruction by the nurse professional is most appropriate?

A. Inflammation of the spinal cord: viral infection: This describes myelitis, which specifically affects the spinal cord, not encephalitis, which involves brain tissue inflammation.

B. A tumor of the brain: A brain tumor is a neoplastic growth and does not describe encephalitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the brain.

C. Inflammation of the brain tissue; viral infection: Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most commonly caused by viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, which directly infect and inflame brain tissue.

D. Infection of the meninges: bacterial infection: This describes meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, not encephalitis, which affects the brain tissue itself.

A. Exercise soon after eating to increase gastric emptying: Physical activity immediately after meals may actually worsen reflux symptoms by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and promoting acid reflux.

B. Try these proton-pump inhibitors for 2 weeks: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a first-line treatment for GERD. They reduce gastric acid production, promoting symptom relief and esophageal healing.

C. You need to schedule an upper GI endoscopy soon: Endoscopy is not immediately necessary unless there are alarm symptoms like dysphagia, weight loss, or bleeding. Initial management focuses on medication and lifestyle changes.

D. Over-the-counter antiemetics work well for this condition: Antiemetics are not effective in treating the underlying cause of GERD, which is acid reflux, not nausea or vomiting. They would not effectively treat the heartburn or esophageal inflammation associated with GERD.