The nurse instructs the client on health maintenance activities to help control symptoms from a hiatal hernia. Which statement would indicate that the client has understood the instructions?1. "I'll avoid lying down after a meal."
2. "I can still enjoy my potato chips and cola at bedtime."
3. "I wish I didn't have to give up swimming."
4. "If I wear a girdle, I'll have more support for my stomach."

1. "I'll avoid lying down after a meal."

Answer is 1.  "I'll avoid lying down after a meal."

Explanation:

A hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into your chest cavity. This means that the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.

In the case of a client with a hiatal hernia, he/she should avoid the recumbent position immediately after meals to minimize gastric reflux. The client should also avoid excessive vigorous exercise most especially after meals.

It should be understood by the client that  intra-abdominal pressure is increased when he/she wears tight clothings, thus leading to reflux of gastric juices.

In conclusion, Surgery is the known way of  repairing a hiatal hernia.