A client who is scheduled for a barium swallow asks a nurse why a laxative is necessary following the procedure. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "It helps eliminate the barium.": Barium can harden and cause constipation if not expelled. Laxatives help eliminate it from the GI tract. B. "It is the protocol at this facility.": This gives no educational value or explanation to the patient. C. "The medication has been prescribed by your provider.": While true, it does not address the patient’s question about purpose. D. "The medication will make your stool turn white.": White stool occurs because of barium, not due to the laxative.