The nurse is about to administer a histamine 2-receptor antagonist to a patient with peptic ulcer disease. What is the primary purpose of this class of medication?

It reduces the amount of HCl secreted by the parietal cells in the stomach.

It destroys the microorganisms causing inflammation in the stomach.

It neutralizes hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach.

It inhibits the action of acetylcholine by blocking parasympathetic nerve endings.