A nurse is educating a patient about the risk factors for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

While a 25-year-old planning to lose 20 pounds after childbirth may have increased nutritional needs, they would not typically be considered at higher risk for malnutrition unless there were other factors such as inadequate diet or certain health conditions.
Choice B rationale
A 65-year-old who recently underwent hernia surgery might have temporary changes in diet or appetite related to the surgery, but would not typically be at high risk for malnutrition unless there were other ongoing issues such as poor diet, difficulty eating, or a chronic health condition.
Choice C rationale
A 70-year-old who has been fasting since midnight in preparation for a colonoscopy would not typically be at risk for malnutrition from this short-term fast. However, if they had ongoing issues with diet, appetite, or a chronic health condition, they could potentially be at risk.
Choice D rationale
A 55-year-old who has been consuming alcohol for 35 years is at higher risk for malnutrition. Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients, and individuals with long-term heavy alcohol use may also have other lifestyle factors that increase their risk for malnutrition.

Choice A rationale
While having a room within view of the nurses’ station can be beneficial for monitoring the patient, it does not specifically address the needs of a patient with active tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Placing a patient with active tuberculosis in a room with another non-surgical patient could potentially expose the other patient to the disease. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease and can easily spread to others in close proximity.
Choice C rationale
A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment is the most appropriate choice for a patient with active tuberculosis. This type of room, known as a negative pressure room, helps prevent the spread of airborne diseases like tuberculosis. The air in the room is vented outside, reducing the risk of the disease spreading to other areas of the hospital.
Choice D rationale
While the ICU is equipped to handle severe and critical cases, a patient with active tuberculosis does not necessarily need to be in the ICU unless they are critically ill. Moreover, placing them in the ICU could potentially expose other critically ill patients to tuberculosis.