A nurse is taking a health history of a client who reports occasionally taking several over-the-counter medications, including an H2 receptor antagonist (HRA). Which of the following outcomes indicates the H2RA is therapeutic?

A. Passage of flatus: H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are not used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms like excessive gas or the passage of flatus. They are primarily used to reduce stomach acid production, so this outcome does not indicate the medication is therapeutic. B. Cessation of diarrhea: H2RAs are not used to treat diarrhea. They primarily treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, or peptic ulcers. Diarrhea may not be directly related to the use of H2RAs. C. Absence of constipation: While constipation is a possible side effect of many medications, including H2RAs, the therapeutic outcome for an H2RA is not related to the absence of constipation. The focus is on acid reduction in the stomach. D. Relief of heartburn: H2RAs work by decreasing the production of stomach acid, which helps relieve heartburn, a common symptom of GERD or acid reflux. Therefore, the relief of heartburn is a direct therapeutic effect of the medication.