A Patient Who Has GERD with Erosive Esophagitis Has Been

A patient who has GERD with erosive esophagitis has been taking a PPI for 4 weeks and reports a decrease in symptoms.The patient asks the primary care NP if the medication may be discontinued.The NP should tell the patient that:

A) the dose may be decreased for long-term therapy.
B) antireflux surgery must be done before the PPI can be discontinued.
C) the condition may eventually be cured, but therapy must continue for years.
D) once the symptoms have cleared completely, the medication may be discontinued.