A nurse is assessing a client with suspected cholecystitis. Which symptom would the nurse expect to find during the physical examination?

Choice A reason:

This statement is incorrect. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with cholecystitis and may be seen in conditions such as gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Choice B reason:

This statement is incorrect. Severe left upper quadrant pain is not characteristic of cholecystitis. Cholecystitis typically presents with right upper quadrant pain.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Right upper quadrant tenderness is a hallmark symptom of cholecystitis. The inflamed gallbladder causes pain and tenderness in this area.

Choice D reason:

This statement is incorrect. Pain radiating to the left shoulder is more indicative of conditions such as splenic disorders, not 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.