The practical nurse (PN) notes that a client who is receiving continuous nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy has a new prescription for esomeprazole. The PN tells the client that the new medication should reduce the client's risk for which complication?

A. Dizziness and weakness: These symptoms are not common complications prevented by esomeprazole. They may occur as side effects of NSAID use or other conditions, but esomeprazole’s primary role is gastrointestinal protection. B. Gastric ulceration: Esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), decreases gastric acid secretion and helps protect the stomach lining from erosion caused by NSAIDs. Continuous NSAID therapy increases the risk of peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, so adding a PPI reduces acid-related mucosal damage. C. Joint stiffness and swelling: These symptoms are usually related to the underlying inflammatory condition for which NSAIDs are prescribed. Esomeprazole does not influence joint inflammation or musculoskeletal symptoms. D. Excessive bruising: Bruising is typically associated with platelet inhibition or anticoagulant use, not NSAID-induced gastric effects. Esomeprazole does not affect coagulation or platelet function and therefore does not prevent bruising.