A nurse is teaching a client who has bradycardia about how to prevent vagal stimulation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A. "Attempt to gag": Gagging stimulates the vagus nerve and can worsen bradycardia. Clients should be instructed to avoid actions that trigger the gag reflex, so this instruction is not recommended. B. "Take an antiemetic when feeling nauseated.": Nausea and vomiting can increase vagal stimulation. Taking an antiemetic as prescribed helps prevent excessive vagal nerve activation, which can reduce the risk of further slowing the heart rate. C. "Apply firm pressure to the eyes": Applying pressure to the eyes can stimulate the vagus nerve, potentially exacerbating bradycardia. Clients should avoid eye rubbing or pressure. D. "Eat a high-fiber diet to keep stools soft": Straining during defecation stimulates the vagus nerve and can worsen bradycardia. A high-fiber diet promotes regular, soft stools and helps prevent straining, thereby reducing vagal stimulation. E. "Bear down to slow the pulse rate": Bearing down (Valsalva maneuver) directly increases vagal stimulation, which can dangerously slow the heart rate in clients with bradycardia. This action should be avoided.