A client with a history of long term use of ibuprofen receives a prescription for misoprostol. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the medication was effective?

Rationale: A. Improvement of diarrhea: Misoprostol often causes diarrhea as a side effect, rather than relieving it. Improvement of diarrhea does not indicate the drug’s therapeutic effectiveness, since its primary purpose is gastric protection. B. Relief of epigastric pain: Misoprostol is prescribed to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers in clients taking long-term NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Relief of epigastric pain suggests decreased gastric irritation and ulcer prevention, which reflects the intended therapeutic effect. C. Change in appetite: Appetite changes are nonspecific and may result from many factors unrelated to misoprostol. They do not serve as a reliable indicator that the drug is protecting the stomach lining or preventing ulcer formation. D. Decrease in abdominal cramps: Misoprostol can actually cause abdominal cramping as a side effect. A decrease in cramps is not expected with its use, so this does not demonstrate effectiveness of the medication.