Final answer:
The symptoms of GERD can mimic those of heart disease, including chest pain which is commonly mistaken for heartburn. Thus, nurses monitor GERD patients for heart disease manifestations to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle and dietary changes are typically recommended to manage GERD symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would monitor a client with GERD for clinical manifestations of heart disease because the symptoms of GERD, such as chest pain or discomfort that can mimic heartburn, are often similar to symptoms of heart disease. Since the acid secreted into the stomach typically remains there to aid digestion, a weak or inappropriately relaxing sphincter can cause acidic stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, leading to the burning sensation known as heartburn. This could potentially be confused with the pain associated with heart disease.
Lifestyle changes can often improve GERD and occasional heartburn. Changes include avoiding foods and beverages that contribute to reflux, such as chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, decreasing portion sizes, and not eating just before bedtime. Additionally, stopping smoking, which tends to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, may also help control reflux.