A nurse is caring for a client with suspected cholecystitis. The client complains of dark urine and pale-colored stools. Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide for these changes in bowel habits?
"These changes are unrelated to your condition and may be due to a gastrointestinal infection."
"Cholecystitis can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in changes in stool color."
"Cholecystitis can obstruct the bile duct, leading to decreased bilirubin excretion and changes in urine and stool color."
"These changes are related to dehydration, which is common in cholecystitis."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Dark urine and pale-colored stools are not typically associated with a gastrointestinal infection. These symptoms are more indicative of changes in bile flow or bilirubin excretion.
Choice B reason:
While cholecystitis can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, it is not the primary cause of changes in stool color to pale.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Cholecystitis can obstruct the bile duct, leading to a decrease in bilirubin excretion. Bilirubin gives urine its characteristic color, and when excretion is reduced, the urine becomes darker (brownish). Likewise, the absence of bilirubin in the stool leads to pale-colored or clay-colored stools.
Choice D reason:
Dehydration may occur in some cases of cholecystitis, but it is not the primary cause of changes in urine and stool color.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Chronic alcohol consumption is not a common cause of gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis. However, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to liver disease, which may increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Choice B reason:
Excessive consumption of dairy products is not a common cause of gallbladder inflammation. The primary factors leading to cholecystitis are gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder wall, or infection.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Blockage of the cystic duct by a gallstone is a common cause of gallbladder inflammation. When a gallstone obstructs the cystic duct, bile cannot flow freely, leading to increased pressure and inflammation of the gallbladder wall, resulting in cholecystitis.
Choice D reason:
Allergic reactions to certain foods are not a common cause of gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis. Cholecystitis is primarily related to gallstones, bile flow abnormalities, or infections.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Appendicitis typically presents with pain in the lower right abdomen and may be associated with fever and rebound tenderness.
Choice B reason:
Gastroenteritis can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, but it does not usually cause pain radiating to the right shoulder.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Cholecystitis is characterized by severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain that may radiate to the right shoulder, along with nausea and vomiting.
Choice D reason:
Pancreatitis may cause upper abdominal pain, but it typically radiates to the back rather than the right shoulder.
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