A nurse is talking with a client who takes NSAIDs routinely to treat osteoarthritis and has a new prescription for misoprostol. The client asks the nurse why he needs the second medication. Which of the following is an appropriate response?

The correct answer is A because misoprostol is often prescribed along with NSAIDs to help prevent stomach ulcers that can develop from long-term NSAID use. NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers. Misoprostol works by reducing the production of stomach acid and protecting the stomach lining. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because misoprostol is specifically used to protect the stomach from NSAID-related ulcers, not to protect kidney function, boost NSAID effectiveness, or act as an antacid.