A nurse is educating a client who has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) about managing their condition with corticosteroids. Which of the following statements by the nurse accurately describes the primary action of corticosteroids in treating IBD

A. Corticosteroids increase the immune response and enhance inflammation, aggravating symptoms: Corticosteroids inhibit multiple inflammatory pathways rather than stimulating them. Increasing immune activity would worsen mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. This mechanism is opposite to the therapeutic goal of corticosteroid therapy. B. Corticosteroids balance electrolytes and water in the body, improving gut motility: Although corticosteroids can affect fluid and electrolyte balance as a side effect, this is not the therapeutic mechanism in inflammatory bowel disease. Symptom relief occurs through anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa. C. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, helping to improve symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease: Corticosteroids decrease leukocyte migration and inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators in the intestinal wall. Reduced inflammation leads to decreased edema, ulceration, and mucosal damage. This mechanism helps control disease flares and improve clinical symptoms. D. Corticosteroids increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines, improving symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease: Corticosteroids reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor. Increasing cytokine production would intensify intestinal inflammation.