A client presents to the emergency department with severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The client states the pain radiates to the right shoulder. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect based on these clinical manifestations?

Choice A reason:

While cholecystectomy is a common procedure, minimizing the client's fear and anxiety by downplaying the risks is not appropriate. It is essential to acknowledge the client's concerns and address them appropriately.

Choice B reason:

Avoiding thinking about the surgery may not be helpful for the client. It is essential to encourage open communication and support the client in expressing their fears and concerns.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Encouraging the client to express their fears and concerns allows the nurse to address them appropriately and provide the necessary support and information to reduce anxiety.

Choice D reason:

While sharing personal experiences can sometimes be helpful, it is essential to focus on the client's feelings and needs rather than diverting attention to the nurse's experience.

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.