Gallbladder Conditions Flashcards
Cholelithiasis definition
stones in the gallbladder
Cause of cholelithiasis
impaired metabolism of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile acids
3 types of gallbladder stones
Cholesterol (most common)
Pigmented
Mixed
Risk factors for cholelithiasis
Obesity
Sex (female)
Middle ages (40)
Use of oral contraception
Rapid weight loss
Indigenous American ethnicity
Genetic predisposition
Pancreatic or ileal disease
Stones sitting in the gallbladder are usually ___, while stones that are pushed into a duct cause ___ pain.
asymptomatic;
epigastric, right upper quadrant pain
Cholelithiasis manifestations typically include vague GI upset such as (4)
Heartburn
Flatulence
Epigastric discomfort
Food intolerances (fatty foods, cabbage)
Epigastric discomfort than occurs 30 min - several hours after eating
Biliary Colic
Jaundice is caused by a stone lodged in the ___ duct
BILE
Clinical Manifestations of obstructed bile flow (7)
Jaundice
Dark amber urine that foams when shaken
Clay colored stools
Steatorrhea (fatty stools)
Pruritus
Intolerance to fatty foods
Increased risk of bleeding
Why does obstructed bile flow cause JAUNDICE?
Bile cannot flow into duodenum, bilirubin leaks into the bloodstream
Why does obstructed bile flow cause DARK AMBER URINE THAT FOAMS WHEN SHAKEN?
Soluble bilirubin in urine
Why does obstructed bile flow cause CLAY COLORED STOOLS?
Bilirubin does not reach small intestine to be converted into urobilinogen (which gives stool its brown color)
Why does obstructed bile flow cause STEATORRHEA (FATTY STOOLS)?
No bile salts in duodenum, preventing fat digestion
Why does obstructed bile flow cause PRURITUS?
Deposit of bile salts into skin tissues
Why does obstructed bile flow cause INTOLERANCE TO FATTY FOODS?
No bile in small intestine to help with fat digestion
