A client who is newly diagnosed with erosive esophagitis secondary to GERD experiences symptoms after taking lansoprazole PO for one full week. Which actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is essential for the nurse to educate the client that healing from erosive esophagitis typically takes several weeks to manage expectations. This information helps the client understand the timeline for improvement and reduces anxiety about the effectiveness of the treatment. It is not necessary to confirm the timing of medication intake, assess bowel sounds, or measure the apical pulse in this scenario. Since symptoms have persisted after one week of lansoprazole, it may not be appropriate to immediately escalate to a higher dose without further assessment or guidance from the healthcare provider.