Cholecystitis: Gallbladder Inflammation

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Questions and Answers

A patient with cholecystitis reports right-upper-quadrant pain that radiates to the right shoulder. Which of the following physiological mechanisms BEST explains the referred pain pattern?

  • Gallstones obstruct the common bile duct, causing a buildup of pressure that is referred to the shoulder.
  • Pain impulses from the gallbladder converge with sensory information from the shoulder at the spinal cord level. (correct)
  • Inflammation of the gallbladder directly irritates the phrenic nerve, which shares a neurological pathway with the shoulder.
  • The liver's enlargement due to inflammation compresses nerves that extend to the right shoulder region.

A patient is diagnosed with cholecystitis secondary to cholelithiasis. If the gallstone obstructs the common bile duct, which of the following clinical manifestations would the nurse MOST likely assess?

  • Dark-colored urine and clay-colored stools. (correct)
  • Decreased amylase and lipase levels.
  • Increased white blood cell count with normal liver enzymes.
  • Severe pain in the left upper quadrant.

An obese female patient with a history of high-fat diet and a family history of gallbladder disease presents with symptoms indicative of cholecystitis. Which combination of risk factors BEST illustrates the etiological factors contributing to her condition?

  • Obesity and genetic predisposition. (correct)
  • Older age and high-fat diet
  • Genetic predisposition and advanced age
  • High-fat diet and gender.

Following a cholecystectomy, a patient is prescribed a specific diet. Which dietary instruction should the nurse emphasize to prevent post-operative complications?

<p>Maintain a low-fat diet to reduce biliary demand. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with cholecystitis develops severe abdominal pain, fever, and signs of peritonitis. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect and immediately report to the healthcare provider?

<p>Gallbladder perforation leading to peritonitis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient undergoing diagnostic testing for suspected cholecystitis asks the nurse why an ultrasound was ordered. What is the nurse's BEST response?

<p>An ultrasound can detect gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with cholecystitis is being prepared for lithotripsy. The patient asks the nurse about the procedure. What is the nurse's MOST appropriate explanation?

<p>Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up the gallstones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient who underwent a cholecystectomy. Which of the following statements indicates the patient understands the dietary modifications they need to make?

<p>&quot;I should avoid gas-causing foods like beans and cabbage.&quot; (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones.

Cholelithiasis

Gallstones, which can block the bile ducts.

Cholecystitis Risk Factors

High-fat diet, obesity, genetics, older age, female gender.

Cholecystitis Pain

Right upper quadrant pain, radiating to the right shoulder.

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Cholecystitis Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gas, and bloating.

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Liver Involvement Symptoms

Jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools.

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Diagnosing Cholecystitis

Ultrasound to visualize the gallbladder.

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Patient Teaching

Low-fat diet, avoid gas-causing foods, weight loss.

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Study Notes

  • Cholecystitis involves gallbladder inflammation, typically due to cholelithiasis (gallstones).
  • Gallstones can obstruct the cystic or common bile duct, leading to inflammation, impaired bile flow, and cellular necrosis in the gallbladder.

Risk Factors

  • Cholelithiasis is a primary risk factor.
  • A high-fat diet can increase the risk.
  • Obesity is a contributing factor.
  • Genetics can play a role in susceptibility.
  • Older age increases risk.
  • Females are more prone to cholecystitis.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Right-upper-quadrant pain may radiate to the right shoulder.
  • Pain increases after consuming high-fat foods.
  • Nausea and vomiting are common.
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion) may occur.
  • Gas and bloating can be present.
  • Jaundice, dark-colored urine, or clay-colored stools indicate liver involvement.

Diagnostics

  • Elevated white blood cells are often present.
  • Elevated AST and bilirubin levels suggest liver involvement.
  • Elevated amylase and lipase may indicate pancreatic involvement.
  • An ultrasound is used to diagnose cholecystitis.

Treatment

  • Analgesics are used for pain management.
  • Lithotripsy uses shockwaves to break up gallstones.
  • Cholecystectomy involves gallbladder removal.

Nursing Care

  • Monitor for pancreatitis if the pancreas is involved.
  • Watch for peritonitis, which can result from gallbladder perforation.

Patient Teaching

  • Maintain a low-fat diet.
  • Avoid gas-causing foods.
  • Weight loss is recommended, if applicable.

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