Clinical meaning
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by gallstone obstruction of the cystic duct. Bile stasis leads to distension, mucosal ischemia, bacterial invasion, and potential perforation. The cardinal presentation is right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain after fatty meals, often radiating to the right scapula (Murphy's sign positive). The nurse monitors pain, vital signs, and dietary intake, reporting changes to the nursing team.
Exam relevance
Risk factors: - Female sex (4 Fs: Fat, Forty, Female, Fertile) - Age >40 - Obesity - Rapid weight loss - Oral contraceptives or estrogen therapy - High-fat diet - Family history of gallstones - Diabetes mellitus
Diagnostics: - Monitor vital signs for fever or tachycardia - Report escalating RUQ pain - Monitor for jaundice (scleral icterus, dark urine, clay-colored stools) - Report nausea and vomiting patterns - Monitor dietary tolerance