Cholecystitis & Cholelithiasis: Review Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, including etiology, treatment, symptoms, and risk factors.

What causes inflammation in cholecystitis and cholelithiasis?

An obstruction, gallstone, or tumor prevents bile from leaving the gallbladder, causing trapped bile to act as an irritant.

What are the risk factors for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis?

Female gender, Native American or white ethnicity, obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, multiparous women, and use of birth control.

What is the first step in treating mild attacks of cholecystitis?

Bedrest.

Which medication is used to decrease the incidence of spasms of the sphincter of Oddi?

Demerol.

What are common signs and symptoms of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis?

Indigestion after fatty foods, severe colicky pain in the right upper quadrant, anorexia, nausea & vomiting, flatulence, increased heart & respiratory rates, and diaphoresis.

What laboratory findings may indicate cholecystitis & cholelithiasis?

Low grade fever, elevated WBC, mild jaundice, steatorrhea, dark amber urine, and clay-colored stools.

What should be avoided in the diet when a patient resumes oral intake after cholecystitis?

Spicy foods.

What does SEMD refer to in chronic cholecystitis?

The thickness of the wall and roughness of the mucous membrane in cholelithiasis.