Gallbladder & Liver Flashcards
What is the main functin of the gallbladder?
Store & release bile in small intestine for fat emulsification
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Cholelithiasis
Gallstones
Choledocholithiasis
Gallstones in the comon bile duct
What damage can gallstones cause?
Block the duct
Injure the wall, which can lead to infection
Four F’s in relation to gallbladder problems
Female
Fertile
Forty
Fat
Risk factors for gallbladder problems
Obese women Excessive cholesterol intake Sedentary lifestyle Age >45 Diet change Frequent pregnancies Strenuous dieting or rapid weight loss Diabetes Use of birth control pills
What is the cause of gallstones?
Unknown
Possibly may be due to abnormally thick bile
What kind of base do some gallstones have?
Calcium
Chronic gallbladder disease can damage what organ?
The liver
S&S of cholecystits/cholelithiasis
Sudden onset of acute RUQ pain Epigastric pain Indigestion Feeling of fullness after eating (especially after high fat meal) Steatorrhea N/V Belching Fever (usually low grade) Jaundice Malaise Positive murphy sign Rebound tenderness Guarding Referred pain Anorexia Flatulence Increased HR and RR Diaphoresis Elevated WBC Dark amber urine
What is a positive murphy sign?
The abrupt cessation of inspiration because of pain when RUQ is palpated
What kind of referred pain is experienced in relation to cholecystitis and cholelithiasis?
Pain radiates to the right shoulder or midline of scapulas
Why is the urine dark amber in relation to cholecystitis and cholelithiasis?
Urine contains urobilonogen as the kidneys try to remove excess bilirubin from the blod stream
Diagnositc tests r/t cholecystitis and cholelithiasis
ALP & AST Ultrasound X-ray Cholecystogram EGD ERCP
Medical management of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis
Mild attacks
Bed rest NG tube to suction NPO IVFs Antispasmodics/Analgesics Antibiotics Antiemetics Avoid spicy food (when allowed PO intake)