Adult Medical Surgical ATI Related

Review Adult Medical Surgical ATI related questions and content

The patient described in the preceding question has a positive H. pylori antibody blood test. She is compliant with the medical regimen you prescribe. Although her symptoms initially respond, she returns to see you six months later with the same symptoms. Which of the following statements is correct?

  • A. She is at low risk for reinfection with H. pylori
  • B. A positive serum IgG indicates that eradication of H. pylori was successful
  • C. The urease breath test is an ideal test to document failure of eradication
  • D. Dyspepsia typically worsens with H. pylori eradication
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the urease breath test is the ideal test to document failure of H. pylori eradication. This test directly measures the presence of the H. pylori bacterium in the stomach by detecting the enzyme urease produced by the bacterium. If the patient still has symptoms after treatment, a positive urease breath test would indicate that the bacterium is still present, leading to treatment failure.

Choice A is incorrect because a positive antibody test does not indicate low risk for reinfection. Choice B is incorrect because a positive serum IgG may persist even after successful eradication. Choice D is incorrect because dyspepsia can improve after successful H. pylori eradication rather than worsen.