An ultrasound (US) of a client with intermittent pain reveals gallbladder sludge. Which of the following client history items are likely factors in the US result? Select all that apply

Question

A) Had lap band surgery 2 years ago and lost 100 pounds
B) Recent pregnancy with a 6-month-old child at home
C) Current prescription for a medicine to lower cholesterol
D) A runner training for a marathon
E) Works in surgery with long periods of standing in one place

Answer 1

Ans: A, B, C
Feedback:
Three factors contribute to the formation of gallstones: abnormalities in the composition of bile, stasis of bile (rather than rapid elimination), and inflammation of the gallbladder. The formation of cholesterol stones is associated with obesity and occurs more frequently in women, especially women who have had multiple pregnancies or who are taking oral contraceptives. All of these factors cause the liver to excrete more cholesterol into the bile. Estrogen reduces the synthesis of bile acid in women. Gallbladder sludge (thickened gallbladder mucoprotein with tiny trapped cholesterol crystals) is thought to be a precursor of gallstones. Sludge frequently occurs with pregnancy, starvation, and rapid weight loss. Drugs that lower serum cholesterol levels, such as clofibrate, also cause increased cholesterol excretion into the bile.