Digestive System Disorders > Medical Surgical
Exam Review
Cholelithiasis
Total Questions : 38
Showing 38 questions, Sign in for moreExplanation
Choice A reason:
Offering antacid medication may provide relief for indigestion, but it will not address the severe pain and other symptoms associated with cholelithiasis.
Choice B reason:
Placing the client in a supine position may not be the most comfortable position for someone experiencing severe pain from cholelithiasis. The client may prefer to find a position that eases the pain.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Administering prescribed pain medication should be the first action to address the client's severe pain and discomfort related to cholelithiasis.
Choice D reason:
Encouraging the client to rest is important, but it is not the priority action in managing the client's severe pain and other symptoms.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Instructing the client to eat a high-fat diet before surgery is not appropriate and may exacerbate the symptoms of cholelithiasis. The client should follow a low-fat diet instead.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Demonstrating deep-breathing exercises helps promote lung expansion postoperatively and prevents respiratory complications after anesthesia and surgery.
Choice C reason:
While ambulating is essential after surgery, it may not be the primary focus of preoperative education for a client undergoing cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.
Choice D reason:
Discussing the possibility of experiencing diarrhea after the surgery is not a priority in preoperative education for a client with cholelithiasis undergoing cholecystectomy.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering an antipyretic medication may help reduce the fever, but it does not address the underlying issue of the suspected infection. Notifying the healthcare provider about the client's symptoms is the priority action.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately about the client's severe pain, fever, and chills to initiate appropriate assessment and treatment for a possible infection.
Choice C reason:
Encouraging the client to increase oral fluid intake is important for overall hydration, but it may not be the priority action when an infection is suspected.
Choice D reason:
Placing a heating pad on the client's abdomen may provide temporary relief for discomfort but is not appropriate when the client has a fever and suspected infection.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. UDCA is a medication used to dissolve gallstones, and one of its potential adverse effects is diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Choice B reason:
Dizziness and lightheadedness are not common adverse effects of UDCA.
Choice C reason:
Dry mouth and blurred vision are not typical adverse effects of UDCA.
Choice D reason:
Muscle weakness and fatigue are not common adverse effects of UDCA.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Engaging in regular physical activity to promote weight loss and maintain a healthy weight can help prevent the formation of gallstones, as obesity is a significant risk factor for cholelithiasis.
Choice B reason:
Consuming a high-fat diet is not recommended for preventing gallstones. A high-fat diet is associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation.
Choice C reason:
Avoiding fruits and vegetables to reduce fiber intake is not a healthy approach to preventing gallstones. Adequate fiber intake is beneficial for overall health and may help prevent gallstone formation.
Choice D reason:
Drinking sugary beverages is not recommended for preventing gallstones. It is essential to maintain hydration, but sugary beverages can contribute to obesity and other health problems, increasing the risk of cholelithiasis.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. A family history of gallbladder disease is a significant risk factor for cholelithiasis, and the 25-year-old male is at the highest risk among the options provided.
Choice B reason:
A low-fat diet and regular exercise may help reduce the risk of developing cholelithiasis, so the 40-year-old female is at a lower risk compared to the other options.
Choice C reason:
A history of diabetes and hypertension may increase the risk of certain health problems, but they are not the primary risk factors for cholelithiasis in this context.
Choice D reason:
Undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss may affect the risk of developing gallstones, but it is not the highest risk factor among the options provided.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While hormones can influence gallbladder function, they do not directly cause gallbladder inflammation leading to gallstone formation.
Choice B reason:
Hormones may affect bile production, but it is not the primary mechanism leading to gallstone formation.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Hormones, especially estrogen, can influence cholesterol metabolism in the gallbladder, leading to an increased risk of cholesterol gallstone formation.
Choice D reason:
Hormones do not weaken the gallbladder wall, and this is not a direct mechanism for gallstone accumulation.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Frequent consumption of whole grains and vegetables is generally beneficial for health and may not significantly impact the risk of gallstone formation.
Choice B reason:
Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise is important for overall health, but it is not the primary risk factor for cholelithiasis among the options provided.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. A sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting are significant risk factors for gallstone formation. Physical inactivity can contribute to gallbladder stasis and increase the risk of gallstone development.
Choice D reason:
High consumption of lean protein and low-fat dairy products may be part of a healthy diet, but they are not the primary risk factor for cholelithiasis.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Rapid weight loss, especially when accompanied by a high-fat diet, can increase the risk of gallstone formation. Rapid weight loss can lead to an imbalance in bile composition, increasing the likelihood of gallstone development.
Choice B reason:
This statement is incorrect. Rapid weight loss can impact gallstone formation, and it is essential for the client to be aware of this potential risk.
Choice C reason:
Rapid weight loss does not reduce the risk of gallstone formation. In fact, it may increase the risk due to changes in bile composition and gallbladder motility.
Choice D reason:
This statement is incorrect. Rapid weight loss, especially with a low-fat diet, can contribute to gallstone formation due to changes in bile composition and gallbladder function.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Antacids are not typically associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation.
Choice B reason:
Statins are used for cholesterol management and are not directly associated with gallstone formation.
Choice C reason:
Antibiotics are used to treat infections and do not significantly impact the risk of gallstone formation.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. Hormonal contraceptives, especially those containing estrogen, are associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation due to their impact on cholesterol metabolism in the gallbladder.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. The pain in the right upper abdomen that radiates to the right shoulder is characteristic of referred pain, which occurs when pain is perceived in an area away from the actual source of the pain.
Choice B reason:
Colicky pain is intermittent, severe pain that comes and goes and is not specific to the description given by the client.
Choice C reason:
Sharp pain may be used to describe certain types of pain, but it does not capture the radiation to the right shoulder as seen in referred pain.
Choice D reason:
Steady pain may not adequately describe the intermittent nature of the pain experienced by the client.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Anorexia refers to a loss of appetite and is not specific to the client's complaint.
Choice B reason:
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is not related to the client's symptoms.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion or discomfort in the upper abdomen, often associated with nausea and vomiting after eating fatty or heavy meals, which is consistent with the client's complaint.
Choice D reason:
Steatorrhea refers to the presence of excess fat in the feces and is not related to the client's symptoms.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Eructation refers to belching or burping and is not related to excessive gas after meals.
Choice B reason:
Borborygmi refers to stomach growling or rumbling and is not related to the client's symptom.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Flatulence refers to the passing of excessive gas from the digestive system, which can cause feelings of bloating and discomfort after meals, as reported by the client.
Choice D reason:
Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not related to the client's symptom.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Referred pain is when pain is perceived in an area away from the actual source of the pain and does not specifically describe pain after eating a large meal.
Choice B reason:
Colicky pain is characterized by intermittent, severe pain that comes and goes and is not specific to the client's complaint.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Biliary colic refers to the severe, cramping pain that occurs when the gallbladder contracts against a gallstone lodged in the cystic duct or common bile duct, and it is often triggered or worsened by eating a large or fatty meal.
Choice D reason:
Hyperalgesia refers to an increased sensitivity to pain and is not related to the client's symptom.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Jaundice refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by an accumulation of bilirubin, which can occur in cholelithiasis due to obstruction of the bile ducts by gallstones.
Choice B reason:
Erythema refers to redness of the skin and is not related to the client's complaint.
Choice C reason:
Pallor refers to paleness of the skin and is not related to the client's symptom.
Choice D reason:
Petechiae refers to small, pinpoint-sized red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding and is not related to the client's symptom.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assessing blood flow to the liver is not the primary purpose of an abdominal ultrasound in a client with suspected cholelithiasis.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding structures, helping to visualize the presence of gallstones and assess the gallbladder's condition.
Choice C reason:
Measuring acidity levels in the stomach is not related to the diagnostic evaluation of cholelithiasis.
Choice D reason:
Evaluating kidney function is not the primary purpose of an abdominal ultrasound for a client with suspected cholelithiasis.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Fasting for 24 hours is not necessary for an abdominal ultrasound for cholelithiasis evaluation.
Choice B reason:
Avoiding drinking water for 6 hours before the test is not required for an abdominal ultrasound.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Clients undergoing an abdominal ultrasound for suspected cholelithiasis may be asked to eat a low-fat meal before the test to stimulate gallbladder contraction and enhance visualization of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Choice D reason:
While there may be no specific dietary restrictions, eating a low-fat meal is often recommended to facilitate the evaluation of cholelithiasis during the ultrasound.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While elevated serum bilirubin levels can be associated with cholelithiasis, they are more indicative of obstruction of the bile ducts, which can occur in cholecystitis, a complication of cholelithiasis.
Choice B reason:
Increased blood glucose levels are not directly related to cholelithiasis or its complications.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. An elevated white blood cell count is often seen in cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder that can occur as a complication of cholelithiasis.
Choice D reason:
Low serum amylase levels are not specific to cholelithiasis or its complications.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Describing an endoscopy procedure, which is not involved in an oral cholecystogram, is not accurate.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. An oral cholecystogram (OCG) is a radiologic imaging test that involves swallowing a contrast dye, which outlines the gallbladder and bile ducts, allowing X-rays to visualize the presence of gallstones.
Choice C reason:
Removing a sample of the gallbladder tissue for examination would be a biopsy, not an oral cholecystogram.
Choice D reason:
A radioactive tracer injection is used in hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, not an oral cholecystogram.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
PTC is not used to remove gallstones from the common bile duct. It is primarily a diagnostic procedure.
Choice B reason:
Gallbladder function and contraction are not the primary focus of a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC).
Choice C reason:
Obtaining a biopsy of the gallbladder is not the primary purpose of a PTC. It is mainly used for imaging and diagnostic purposes.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. PTC is a diagnostic imaging procedure that involves injecting contrast dye into the biliary tree to visualize the bile ducts and identify any obstructions, such as gallstones, which could be causing cholelithiasis.
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who underwent cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Avoiding fatty foods in the diet can help prevent the formation of future gallstones, as it reduces the likelihood of bile becoming too concentrated and forming stones.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Taking prescribed antibiotics until they are finished is essential to prevent infection and complications after surgery.
Choice C reason:
This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Clients who have undergone cholecystectomy should avoid strenuous physical activities, including regular exercise, for several weeks after the surgery to promote proper healing and prevent complications.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. Reporting any signs of infection or bleeding at the incision site is crucial for the early detection and management of potential complications after surgery.
A nurse is caring for a client with cholelithiasis experiencing biliary colic. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to provide pain relief?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Acetaminophen is an analgesic but may not provide sufficient pain relief for biliary colic.
Choice B reason:
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) but may not be the most effective option for pain relief in cases of biliary colic.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic often used to provide pain relief for biliary colic, as it can effectively alleviate severe, cramping pain associated with gallstone obstruction.
Choice D reason:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and is not used for pain relief in cases of biliary colic.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Clients undergoing ERCP should maintain NPO status for at least 8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach and reduce the risk of aspiration during sedation.
Choice B reason:
Administering a cleansing enema is not necessary for ERCP and is not a standard pre-procedure care intervention.
Choice C reason:
Withholding all medications for 24 hours before the procedure is not appropriate, as certain medications may be essential and should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
Providing a high-fat meal before the procedure is not recommended, as clients should maintain NPO status before ERCP.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Resuming a normal diet immediately after surgery, especially if it is high in fat, can stress the digestive system and is not recommended after cholecystectomy.
Choice B reason:
Avoiding fatty foods for the first week after surgery is a general guideline, but clients should not limit their diet to this extent for an extended period.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. After cholecystectomy, clients can slowly reintroduce regular foods into their diet as tolerated. Gradually adding in more complex foods can help the body adjust to digestion without the gallbladder.
Choice D reason:
Continuing on a clear liquid diet for a few more days is not appropriate for a client who has already undergone cholecystectomy and has advanced past the initial post-operative phase.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a medication used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time by reducing the cholesterol content of bile and promoting the solubility of cholesterol in bile.
Choice B reason:
While ursodeoxycholic acid can help prevent gallstone formation in some cases, its primary use is for dissolving existing cholesterol gallstones.
Choice C reason:
Ursodeoxycholic acid may have some anti-inflammatory properties, but its primary purpose is to dissolve gallstones.
Choice D reason:
Ursodeoxycholic acid is not typically used for pain relief during gallstone attacks. It is used for long-term management to dissolve gallstones and reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Over-the-counter pain medications may not be sufficient to alleviate severe pain associated with gallstone obstruction.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Severe pain caused by gallstone obstruction requires stronger pain management, and opioids may be prescribed to manage the pain effectively.
Choice C reason:
Applying a heating pad may not provide adequate pain relief for gallstone obstruction and could worsen the condition.
Choice D reason:
Position changes and deep breathing exercises may be helpful in some situations, but they are unlikely to provide sufficient relief for severe pain due to gallstone obstruction.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While cholecystectomy is a common procedure, dismissing the client's concerns by downplaying the risk may not alleviate anxiety.
Choice B reason:
While expressing empathy is important, it does not address the client's concerns directly or provide detailed information about the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Involving family for support is beneficial, but it does not address the client's need for information and understanding about the surgery.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. The nurse should provide the client with detailed information about the cholecystectomy procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and complications. This information can help the client make informed decisions and alleviate anxiety.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is correct. The nurse's priority is to manage the client's pain effectively by administering prescribed pain medication.
Choice B reason:
Notifying the surgeon may be necessary if there are signs of complications, but managing the client's pain is the immediate priority.
Choice C reason:
Applying a cold pack may help with pain and swelling in some cases, but the nurse's priority is to administer pain medication first.
Choice D reason:
Instructing the client to perform deep breathing exercises is important for postoperative recovery, but it does not address the immediate need for pain management.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Resuming normal activities immediately after surgery is not recommended, as the client needs time to recover and heal.
Choice B reason:
Avoiding physical activity for a whole week is not necessary in most cases, as clients are usually encouraged to ambulate and engage in light activity to prevent complications.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. After an open cholecystectomy, clients are generally encouraged to gradually increase their activity level as tolerated. However, they should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few weeks to allow the surgical incision to heal.
Choice D reason:
Avoiding physical activity for six weeks is not typically required after a cholecystectomy. Gradual activity resumption is recommended earlier than that.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Indigestion and discomfort are potential issues, but the primary reason for a low-fat diet after cholecystectomy is related to gallstone prevention and liver function.
Choice B reason:
There is no direct link between fatty foods and medication absorption in the context of post-cholecystectomy care.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Following a low-fat diet after cholecystectomy helps prevent the formation of new gallstones and reduces stress on the liver, as the gallbladder's role in storing and releasing bile for
fat digestion is compromised.
Choice D reason:
While fatty foods can lead to digestive problems for some individuals, the primary concern in a client post-cholecystectomy is gallstone prevention and liver support.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Avoiding foods high in fiber is not a recommended preventive strategy for gallstone formation.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight are important preventive measures for reducing the risk of gallstones.
Choice C reason:
Consuming a diet high in saturated fats can increase the risk of gallstone formation, not reduce it.
Choice D reason:
Limiting physical activity is not a preventive strategy for gallstone formation. Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health, including gallbladder function.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Avoiding all dairy products is not necessary for gallstone prevention, and it may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in the diet can promote gallbladder health and reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
Choice C reason:
Consuming large quantities of red meat is not a recommended preventive measure for gallstones. High red meat intake may actually increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Choice D reason:
Limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of gallstone formation. Adequate hydration is essential for gallbladder health.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Continuing to eat a high-fat diet is not a preventive measure for gallstones. A low-fat diet is recommended after cholecystectomy.
Choice B reason:
Consuming small, frequent meals can help prevent gallbladder distension, but it is not the primary preventive measure for gallstones.
Choice C reason:
Avoiding physical activity is not a recommended preventive measure for gallstone formation. Regular exercise supports overall gallbladder function.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. Engaging in regular exercise is an important preventive measure for gallstone formation and overall gallbladder health.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Avoiding all fruits and vegetables is not a recommended preventive strategy for gallstones. Fruits and vegetables are generally beneficial for overall health.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Limiting the intake of fatty and fried foods is an important preventive measure to reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
Choice C reason:
Consuming large quantities of processed foods is not recommended for gallstone prevention. Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats and additives.
Choice D reason:
Increasing alcohol intake is not a preventive measure for gallstones and may actually contribute to gallstone formation.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Increasing the intake of fatty foods is not a recommended preventive measure for gallstones, especially in an overweight client.
Choice B reason:
Avoiding all carbohydrates is not necessary for gallstone prevention and may not be a healthy approach to weight management.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Focusing on consuming a low-fat diet is an essential preventive measure for reducing the risk of gallstone formation, especially in overweight individuals.
Choice D reason:
Consuming large portions of dairy products is not a specific preventive measure for gallstones. A balanced diet with limited fat intake is recommended.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for gallbladder health.
Choice B reason:
Milk Thistle is commonly used to support liver function and can potentially be beneficial for gallstone prevention.
Choice C reason:
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent gallstone formation.
Choice D reason:
Valerian Root is not typically used for gallstone prevention. It is primarily known for its sedative properties and may not have any direct impact on gallbladder health.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Lithotripsy is not a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is a non-invasive method to break up gallstones.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Lithotripsy involves using sound waves to break up gallstones into smaller fragments that can pass through the bile ducts.
Choice C reason:
Lithotripsy is not a medication. It is a procedure used to treat gallstones.
Choice D reason:
Lithotripsy is not a diagnostic test. It is a therapeutic procedure to treat gallstones.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Gallstone formation is not a concern after cholecystectomy since the gallbladder has been removed.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Proper incision care is essential to prevent infection and complications at the surgical site after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Choice C reason:
Dietary recommendations for constipation are not directly related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and may not address the client's concerns about complications.
Choice D reason:
While discussing potential complications of general anesthesia is essential for preoperative education, it may not be the primary concern for a client recovering from cholecystectomy.
Sign Up or Login to view all the 38 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Nursingprepexams’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now