A patient who has symptoms of peptic ulcer disease will undergo a test that requires drinking a liquid containing 13C urea and breathing into a container. The nurse will explain to the patient that this test is performed to

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The test involving drinking a liquid containing 13C urea and breathing into a container is a non-invasive test used to detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, which is a common cause of peptic ulcer disease. It works by detecting the presence of urease, an enzyme produced by H. pylori that breaks down the urea in the liquid, causing the release of 13C-labeled carbon dioxide that can be detected in the patient's breath. The test does not assess the level of hydrochloric acid or measure the pH of gastric secretions, and it does not detect H. pylori antibodies.

A Patient Who Has Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease Will