Problem: How would the nurse explain the importance of the lower esophageal sphincter to a client newly diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? 'It is a muscle that keeps the contents in the stomach from bubbling up into the tube carrying food into the stomach.' 'It plays only a minimal role in GERD' 'It is an area in the stomach where ulcers can form.' 'It is a congenital defect in the gastrointestinal tract.' Need Assignment Help?