A nurse is caring for a client suspected to have cholecystitis. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate as the first-line imaging study to confirm the diagnosis?

Choice A reason:

Fasting for 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound is not necessary. Abdominal ultrasound does not require an empty stomach.

Choice B reason:

Drinking water is not typically restricted before an abdominal ultrasound. In fact, drinking water can improve image quality in some cases.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. There are no special preparations required for an abdominal ultrasound. The procedure is non-invasive and does not involve any special preparation or fasting.

Choice D reason:

Avoiding pain medications is not necessary before an abdominal ultrasound. The client can continue taking prescribed medications as usual.

Choice A reason:

Abdominal CT scan can provide detailed images, but it is not typically the first-line imaging study for diagnosing cholecystitis. It may be used if complications are suspected.

Choice B reason:

MRI of the gallbladder can provide high-resolution images, but it is not the first-line imaging study for diagnosing cholecystitis.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Abdominal ultrasound is the first-line imaging study for diagnosing cholecystitis. It can visualize the gallbladder, detect gallstones, and assess for signs of inflammation, such as gallbladder wall thickening and pericholecystic fluid.

Choice D reason:

ERCP is an invasive procedure used to visualize the biliary and pancreatic ducts, but it is not typically used as a first-line diagnostic test for cholecystitis.