A client is concerned about the risk of developing cholecystitis due to a family history of gallstones. Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide regarding the genetic predisposition to gallstone formation?

Choice A reason:

Itching is not typically associated with an allergic reaction and is more likely related to cholecystitis itself or complications such as cholangitis or bile duct obstruction.

Choice B reason:

This statement is correct. Cholecystitis can cause bile salts to accumulate in the skin, leading to pruritus (itching). When the bile flow is obstructed or altered, bile salts may not be properly eliminated from the body, leading to their accumulation in the skin and causing itching.

Choice C reason:

Dehydration may occur in some cases of cholecystitis due to nausea, vomiting, or reduced fluid intake, but it is not the primary cause of pruritus.

Choice D reason:

Cholecystitis does not typically cause elevated blood sugar levels. However, certain conditions like diabetes mellitus may increase the risk of cholecystitis.

A. Mild, intermittent right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is more characteristic of chronic cholecystitis rather than acute cholecystitis, which typically presents with severe pain.
B. Left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain with rebound tenderness is more indicative of conditions like diverticulitis, not acute cholecystitis.
C. Severe, colicky abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder is the most common presentation of acute cholecystitis, often caused by gallbladder inflammation and obstruction of the cystic duct. The pain is due to irritation of the phrenic nerve, which supplies both the gallbladder and right shoulder.
D. Epigastric pain worsened by fatty meals is often seen in gallbladder disease but is more characteristic of biliary colic rather than acute cholecystitis.