Sherpath-Cholelithiasis/Cholecystitis Exam
Questions and Answers
A patient presents to the emergency department and reports frequent small light-colored stools and
fever. On examination, the nurse notes jaundice of the skin and sclera and a white blood cell (WBC)
count of 15,000 /μL. An ultrasound examination indicates the patient has a dilated common bile duct
with gallstones. What is the priority nursing intervention for this patient?
Prepare the patient for ERCP
During assessment of a patient for suspected cholelithiasis with biliary colic, a positive response to
which question posed by the nurse would support the diagnosis?
high-fat meal
A 55-year-old obese African American woman has been admitted for a cholecystectomy to treat
cholecystitis. The patient asks the nurse what factors might have predisposed her to cholecystitis.
Which factors would the nurse mention?
Female
Overweight
over the age of 40
What would be the best collaborative care intervention for a patient admitted for treatment of an
acute episode of cholecystitis who reports dry skin and severe itching?
admin cholestyramine
A female patient scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy tells the nurse she is frightened
because she has heard from others that the abdominal distention and pain after the surgery are
severe. Which care team recommendation will best help alleviate distention?
help walk in the hall to decrease distention
A patient who is not a candidate for surgery is admitted to the hospital with acute cholecystitis and
severe nausea and vomiting. Which collaborative care intervention will help maintain fluid and
electrolyte balances?
Lactated Ringers
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a patient being treated for obstructive
choledocholithiasis. The patient has been having severe episodes of nausea and vomiting and has a
temperature of 100.2° F and bleeding gums. Which actions taken by the nurse will reduce potential
complications from the injection?
Gentle pressure
23g needle
A patient who has undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy asks the nurse about getting up and
taking a shower. Which response by the nurse would be appropriate?
best to do bedside bath because you want to keep the dressing dry
Which statement made by the student nurse when caring for a patient who has had an open
cholecystectomy requires correction?
resume normal activities in 2 weeks
Questions and Answers
A patient presents to the emergency department and reports frequent small light-colored stools and
fever. On examination, the nurse notes jaundice of the skin and sclera and a white blood cell (WBC)
count of 15,000 /μL. An ultrasound examination indicates the patient has a dilated common bile duct
with gallstones. What is the priority nursing intervention for this patient?
Prepare the patient for ERCP
During assessment of a patient for suspected cholelithiasis with biliary colic, a positive response to
which question posed by the nurse would support the diagnosis?
high-fat meal
A 55-year-old obese African American woman has been admitted for a cholecystectomy to treat
cholecystitis. The patient asks the nurse what factors might have predisposed her to cholecystitis.
Which factors would the nurse mention?
Female
Overweight
over the age of 40
What would be the best collaborative care intervention for a patient admitted for treatment of an
acute episode of cholecystitis who reports dry skin and severe itching?
admin cholestyramine
A female patient scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy tells the nurse she is frightened
because she has heard from others that the abdominal distention and pain after the surgery are
severe. Which care team recommendation will best help alleviate distention?
help walk in the hall to decrease distention
A patient who is not a candidate for surgery is admitted to the hospital with acute cholecystitis and
severe nausea and vomiting. Which collaborative care intervention will help maintain fluid and
electrolyte balances?
Lactated Ringers
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a patient being treated for obstructive
choledocholithiasis. The patient has been having severe episodes of nausea and vomiting and has a
temperature of 100.2° F and bleeding gums. Which actions taken by the nurse will reduce potential
complications from the injection?
Gentle pressure
23g needle
A patient who has undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy asks the nurse about getting up and
taking a shower. Which response by the nurse would be appropriate?
best to do bedside bath because you want to keep the dressing dry
Which statement made by the student nurse when caring for a patient who has had an open
cholecystectomy requires correction?
resume normal activities in 2 weeks
