What complications should the nurse look for in someone with gastric surgery?

Choice A rationale
The UREA breath test is used to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that may infect the stomach and is a main cause of ulcers in both the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
H. pylori produces an enzyme called urease, which breaks urea down into ammonia and carbon dioxide. During the test, a tablet containing urea is swallowed and the amount of exhaled carbon dioxide is measured. This indicates the presence of H. pylori in the stomach. Therefore, the UREA breath test measures urea levels to determine if H. pylori is present.

Choice B rationale
While it is true that the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the blood can indicate an
H. pylori infection, this is typically detected using a blood test, not a UREA breath test. The UREA breath test specifically measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your breath after you drink a special solution containing urea.
H. pylori bacteria break down urea into carbon dioxide, and excess carbon dioxide in your breath is a sign of an H. pylori infection. Therefore, while Helicobacter pylori antibodies can indicate an H. pylori infection, they are not the lab value that the UREA breath test measures to determine if H. pylori is present.
Choice C rationale
Gastrin levels are not measured in a UREA breath test. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the production of gastric acid, which helps the stomach digest food. While gastrin levels can be elevated in individuals with certain conditions, such as gastrinomas or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, they are not directly related to H. pylori infections or measured in a UREA breath test.
Choice D rationale
Pepsinogen levels are not measured in a UREA breath test. Pepsinogen is a precursor enzyme (zymogen) produced by the gastric chief cells, and it is converted to the enzyme pepsin in the presence of stomach acid. While pepsinogen levels can be used to assess certain conditions, such as atrophic gastritis, they are not directly related to H. pylori infections or measured in a UREA breath test.

Choice A rationale
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein used as a tumor marker, particularly for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice B rationale
B12 level is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice C rationale
Electrolyte imbalance is the correct answer. Gastrointestinal illnesses often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in these cases to prevent complications related to volume depletion.

Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin level is an indicator of the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. While it is an important lab value, it is not the most relevant in the context of volume depletion due to gastrointestinal illnesses.