The nurse is caring for a patient who has pain in the substernal region. the patients states, "i feel like some object is blocking my throat." after doing an assessment, the nurse finds that the pain may be caused by gastrointestinal complications. what condition may be causing the patient's symptoms?

The answer to this question would be: Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a disease that caused by the lower esophageal sphincter muscle weakness, result in the reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. Unlike gaster, the esophagus is not protected and can easily be damaged by the acid. The damage can cause pain and be causing scar to the esophagus in long term.