Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient with cholelithiasis is experiencing pruritus. What physiological process is most likely causing this symptom?
A patient with cholelithiasis is experiencing pruritus. What physiological process is most likely causing this symptom?
Following a cholecystectomy, a patient reports significant pain due to gas. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address this?
Following a cholecystectomy, a patient reports significant pain due to gas. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address this?
A patient presents with right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Which diagnostic test would be most useful in initially confirming cholelithiasis?
A patient presents with right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Which diagnostic test would be most useful in initially confirming cholelithiasis?
Which combination of risk factors significantly increases an individual's susceptibility to developing cholesterol-based cholelithiasis?
Which combination of risk factors significantly increases an individual's susceptibility to developing cholesterol-based cholelithiasis?
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A patient is being discharged after a cholecystectomy. Which of the following instructions is most important to include in the patient's discharge teaching?
A patient is being discharged after a cholecystectomy. Which of the following instructions is most important to include in the patient's discharge teaching?
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Flashcards
Cholelithiasis
Cholelithiasis
The presence of stones in the gallbladder; most common biliary disorder.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors increasing likelihood for cholelithiasis: obesity, women, high-fat diet, genetics, age, diabetes.
Clinical Manifestations
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms of cholelithiasis include pain, jaundice, itching, dark urine, and clay-colored stool.
Diagnosis Methods
Diagnosis Methods
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Post-Surgical Care
Post-Surgical Care
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Study Notes
Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
- Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile.
- This is the most common disorder of the biliary system.
- Not all gallstones require removal.
Pathophysiology
- Gallstones are categorized into pigment stones (10-25%) and cholesterol stones.
Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Female gender
- High-fat diet
- Genetics
- Age
- Diabetes (often remembered as the "Fat, Forty, Female" risk factors)
Clinical Manifestations
- Pain, often described as biliary colic (a squeezing and releasing sensation)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Itching (pruritis) potentially from uremic frost.
- Changes in urine color (dark, tea-colored)
- Changes in stool color (light, clay-colored due to bile duct blockage)
- Vitamin deficiencies (leading to unhealthy hair and nails)
- Pain under the rib cage that can be referred to the shoulder blade.
Diagnostics
- Ultrasound (rapid and accurate)
- X-ray of the abdomen (stones rarely visible)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Blood Chemistry Findings
- Elevated white blood cell count (WBCs)
- Increased bilirubin levels
- Increased levels of liver enzymes (AST, LDH, ALP)
- Increased cholesterol (greater than 200mg/dL)
Medical Management
- Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder)
- Dietary management (low-fat, low-cholesterol diet)
Nursing Care
- Post-operative gas is a common source of discomfort.
- Encouraging ambulation shortly after surgery helps reduce gas pain.
- Deep breathing and coughing exercises are important.
Patient Education
- Report a temperature above 100.5°F/38°C.
- Note any drainage from the incision.
- Report any wound opening.
- Follow a bland diet for 7-10 days
- Proper wound care (soap and water)
- Use an incentive spirometer (to improve lung function).
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of cholelithiasis, including the types of gallstones, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods. Test your understanding of gallstone disease and its impact on health.
