Which of the following statements by the patient would indicate a correct understanding of peptic ulcer disease?

Choice A rationale

Acute pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones, which can become lodged in a bile or pancreatic duct and cause inflammation. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder, and when they block the ducts leading from the gallbladder to the intestines, they can cause sharp pain in the upper abdomen that quickly worsens. This pain can radiate to the back, another common symptom of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, a history of gallstones is a significant factor to anticipate in a client with acute pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms. While GERD can lead to discomfort and complications like esophagitis, it does not typically cause acute pancreatitis.
Choice C rationale
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. While diabetes can lead to a host of health complications, it is not typically a direct cause of acute pancreatitis.
Choice D rationale
Shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients for your cells and organs. Shock can be a result of severe acute pancreatitis, but it is not a cause.

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.