33. Which symptom would a nurse most likely observe in a client with cholecystitis?
. Black stools.
. Nausea after a high-fat meal.
. Temperature of 104°F.
. Colicky left upper quadrant pain.
Test-Taking Tip
Think of food-related problems. Know where the gallbladder is located and a likely symptom. Often the initial warning of a gallbladder problem comes with eating.
Content Area: Adult Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
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Answer 1 is incorrect because inflammation of the gallbladder interferes with the normal color of feces, and the stool color is characteristically grayish, like putty. Black stools would signal old blood consistent with GI bleeding. Answer 2 is correct because biliary colic is common in cholecystitis and is associated with nausea and vomiting several hours after a heavy, high-fat meal. Answer 3 is incorrect because this is a dangerously high temperature for an adult, and not a common sign. A temperature may be present, but one this high might result from gangrene of the gallbladder and rupture, which is not common. Answer 4 is incorrect because the pain from an acute inflammation of the gallbladder would be in the upper right abdomen, with radiation possible to the midsternal or right shoulder area.