Question

The nurse is caring for a client with cholecystitis. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect the client to exhibit? A. Hiccups B. Dysphagia C. Fever D. Bradycardia

Short answer

Answer: Fever

Step-by-step solution

Define cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, an organ that stores bile produced by the liver. This inflammation usually occurs when gallstones block the bile ducts, causing bile to accumulate and irritate the gallbladder.

Analyze Option A - Hiccups

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. They can occur due to various causes such as eating too quickly, swallowing air, or consuming certain types of stimulating drinks or foods. Although hiccups may be associated with some gastrointestinal conditions, they are not typically a symptom of cholecystitis.

Analyze Option B - Dysphagia

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It occurs when there are problems with the muscles or nerves that help move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia is not commonly associated with cholecystitis, as the inflammation primarily affects the gallbladder and bile ducts rather than the structures involved in swallowing.

Analyze Option C - Fever

Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an infection or inflammation. Since cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, it can lead to a fever. This is a likely symptom that a nurse would expect to see in a client with cholecystitis.

Analyze Option D - Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal heart rate, often defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Cholecystitis does not usually cause bradycardia, as its primary effects are on the gallbladder and bile ducts rather than the cardiovascular system.

Determine the correct answer

After analyzing each option, it is clear that Option C - Fever is the clinical manifestation a nurse would most likely expect a client with cholecystitis to exhibit. This is because cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, and fever is a common symptom of inflammation.