PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Acute cholecystitis is characterized by which of the following signs?

1. Persistent nausea and vomiting

2. Constant RUQ pain lasting over 6 hours

3. Weight loss and diarrhea

4. Non-bilious projectile vomiting

The correct answer is: Constant RUQ pain lasting over 6 hours

Acute cholecystitis typically presents with a constant and severe right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain that usually persists for more than six hours. This pain is often related to gallbladder inflammation, which can result from the obstruction of the cystic duct, generally due to gallstones. The nature of the pain is significant; it may also radiate to the right shoulder or back and can be exacerbated by movement or breathing deeply. In addition to prolonged RUQ pain, patients may experience other symptoms such as fever, leukocytosis, and sometimes nausea or vomiting due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the defining feature for distinguishing acute cholecystitis from other abdominal conditions is the characteristics of the RUQ pain. Persistent nausea and vomiting can occur, but they are not as hallmark as the constant pain in the RUQ. Similarly, weight loss and diarrhea are not typical of acute cholecystitis, as these signs are more associated with chronic conditions or other gastrointestinal disorders. Non-bilious projectile vomiting is usually related to conditions affecting the stomach or intestines rather than the gallbladder. Hence, the primary clinical symptom indicative of acute cholecystitis is indeed the constant RUQ pain lasting over