Fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained through the process of fluid and solutes moving in and out of cells. What specific process allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area?

Choice A reason: Excessive stomach acid secretion is not the correct answer because it is not a diagnostic test, but a possible cause of peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum due to damage from stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

Choice B reason: An incompetent pyloric sphincter is not the correct answer because it is not a diagnostic test, but a possible complication of peptic ulcer disease. The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve that controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. If it becomes damaged or weakened, it can cause gastric outlet obstruction, which is a blockage of the stomach.

Choice C reason: A metabolic acid-base imbalance is not the correct answer because it is not a diagnostic test, but a possible consequence of peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers can cause bleeding, perforation, or gastric outlet obstruction, which can affect the acid-base balance of the body. For example, vomiting can cause metabolic alkalosis, which is a condition where the blood is too alkaline.

Choice D reason: An infection with Helicobacter pylori is the correct answer. Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and duodenum and cause inflammation and ulcers. It is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease. The health care provider can order a diagnostic test to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the client's stomach or blood, such as a urea breath test, a stool antigen test, or a blood antibody test.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer because intracorporeal lithotripsy is a procedure that uses a laser or an ultrasonic probe to break up gallstones inside the gallbladder or the bile ducts. It is not a preferred treatment for cholecystitis, as it does not remove the inflamed gallbladder.

Choice B reason: This is a correct answer because laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgery that removes the gallbladder through small incisions in the abdomen. It is the preferred treatment for cholecystitis, as it eliminates the source of inflammation and prevents further complications.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer because extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure that uses shock waves to break up gallstones outside the body. It is not a preferred treatment for cholecystitis, as it does not remove the inflamed gallbladder and may not be effective for all types of gallstones.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer because methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) infusion is a procedure that uses a chemical solvent to dissolve gallstones inside the gallbladder. It is not a preferred treatment for cholecystitis, as it does not remove the inflamed gallbladder and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.