🩺 Cholecystitis: Key Signs Nursing Students Must Know for the NCLEX
Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, is a classic gastrointestinal disorder that nursing students must recognize. It’s a frequent scenario on the NCLEX, especially when testing clinical assessment skills, dietary education, or prioritization of care.
🔍 Symptom Overview: What to Expect and What to Look For
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| RUQ or Right Shoulder Pain | May radiate to back; worsens with deep breath (Murphy’s sign) |
| Nausea & Vomiting | Common response to biliary inflammation |
| Fever & Leukocytosis | Indicative of inflammatory response or infection |
| Jaundice | Suggests common bile duct involvement or obstruction |
| Anorexia & Fat Intolerance | Loss of appetite, especially for fatty meals due to increased post-meal pain |
| Abdominal Distention | Due to inflammation or impaired digestion |
| Feeling of Fullness | Common due to bile stasis and slowed gastric emptying |
🧠 NCLEX Clinical Scenario Tip
Question: A patient presents with RUQ pain, nausea after eating fried food, and tenderness on deep palpation. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: Notify the provider and prepare for labs and imaging (e.g., ultrasound, WBC, liver enzymes). Suspect cholecystitis and initiate NPO status.
🧂 Diet & Teaching for NCLEX
Patients should be educated to:
Avoid high-fat meals
Eat small, frequent meals
Remain NPO during acute attacks
Be alert for signs of complications like jaundice or high fever
💡 Remember: "F.A.T. P.A.I.N."
F – Fat intolerance
A – Anorexia
T – Tender RUQ
P – Pain with deep breath
A – Abdominal distention
I – Intolerance to greasy meals
N – Nausea & vomiting
🎮 Study with King of the Curve
🔁 Review patho concepts in KOTC’s Adaptive Q-Bank
👩⚕️ Test yourself on RUQ pain differentials
🧠 Master visuals like this in the Study Science Collection
🏁 Final Thoughts
Cholecystitis is an easy-to-miss diagnosis if you don’t know the pattern—but with this KOTC visual and breakdown, you’ll recognize it instantly. Add it to your NCLEX must-review list today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.
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Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.
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Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.
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KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.
