Clinical meaning
Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, performed most commonly by laparoscopic approach for symptomatic gallstones or acute cholecystitis. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. After removal, bile flows continuously from the liver through the common bile duct directly into the duodenum. The nursing role focuses on monitoring vital signs, managing post-operative pain, assessing for complications, maintaining drains, advancing diet, and reporting abnormal findings to the charge nurse or provider.
Exam relevance
Risk factors: - Female sex - Obesity - Age over 40 - Rapid weight loss or crash dieting - Pregnancy and oral contraceptive use - Family history of gallstones - Native American or Hispanic descent - High-fat diet
Diagnostics: - Monitor vital signs post-operatively per facility protocol (every 15 min x 4, then every 30 min x 4, then every hour) - Assess surgical incision sites for redness, swelling, drainage, or dehiscence - Monitor T-tube drainage if placed (document color, amount, consistency each shift) - Assess pain level using standardized pain scale - Monitor urine output (report < 30 mL/hr) - Assess bowel sounds and passage of flatus before diet advancement