The client with cholecystitis also has pain in the right shoulder blade area. The client expresses concern that a new problem is occurring. What is the nurse's best response to this client situation?
A. Reposition the client on the left side and then check the muscle strength, capillary refill, and touch sensation in the right hand and arm.
B. Explain to the client that problems in the gallbladder area often are transmitted by nerves in the area with many branches and can be felt as pain in the shoulder area.
C. Withhold the next dose of analgesic until the source of the pain is identified.
D. Notify the physician of the new complaint.
B
Many types of visceral pain can be felt in body areas other than the originating site; this is known as referred pain. Pain originating in the gallbladder can be referred to the right posterior shoulder. The client should be reassured that this is normal and medicated appropriately.
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