A client who is taking aspirin for osteoarthritis reports heartburn and nausea to the practical nurse (PN). Which information is most important for the PN to reinforce with the client?

A. Eat 3 nutritionally balanced meals a day: Good general health advice but does not address aspirin complication risk. B. Report any dark, tarry stools: Indicates GI bleeding, a serious aspirin adverse effect. C. Use topical heat to help relieve symptoms: May help joint pain but unrelated to current GI complaint. D. Do active exercises every day: Important for OA but not the priority given bleeding risk signs.