In gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), which history is most typical?

In gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), which history is most typical?

• A. Sudden left lower quadrant pain after fatty meal
• B. History of a meal with a lot of fat triggering RUQ pain
• C. Fever with diffuse abdominal tenderness
• D. Nausea without abdominal pain

Answer: (B)

When the gallbladder is inflamed, the history that fits best is pain in the right upper quadrant that is provoked by fatty meals. Fat entering the small intestine stimulates the gallbladder to contract to release bile, and if the gallbladder is inflamed or obstructed, this contraction provokes noticeable RUQ pain. This bite-sized pattern—a fatty meal triggering right upper quadrant pain—is classic for cholecystitis. Left lower quadrant pain after a fatty meal doesn’t align with gallbladder location. Fever with diffuse abdominal tenderness can occur with various conditions, but it doesn’t capture the common meal-triggered RUQ presentation. Nausea without abdominal pain misses the key symptom and its typical location and trigger.

When the gallbladder is inflamed, the history that fits best is pain in the right upper quadrant that is provoked by fatty meals. Fat entering the small intestine stimulates the gallbladder to contract to release bile, and if the gallbladder is inflamed or obstructed, this contraction provokes noticeable RUQ pain. This bite-sized pattern—a fatty meal triggering right upper quadrant pain—is classic for cholecystitis.

Left lower quadrant pain after a fatty meal doesn’t align with gallbladder location. Fever with diffuse abdominal tenderness can occur with various conditions, but it doesn’t capture the common meal-triggered RUQ presentation. Nausea without abdominal pain misses the key symptom and its typical location and trigger.