A client is recovering from a cholecystectomy and asks the nurse about dietary recommendations post-surgery. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

A. Mild, intermittent right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is more characteristic of chronic cholecystitis rather than acute cholecystitis, which typically presents with severe pain.
B. Left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain with rebound tenderness is more indicative of conditions like diverticulitis, not acute cholecystitis.
C. Severe, colicky abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder is the most common presentation of acute cholecystitis, often caused by gallbladder inflammation and obstruction of the cystic duct. The pain is due to irritation of the phrenic nerve, which supplies both the gallbladder and right shoulder.
D. Epigastric pain worsened by fatty meals is often seen in gallbladder disease but is more characteristic of biliary colic rather than acute cholecystitis.

Choice A reason:

Age below 30 years is not a risk factor for developing cholecystitis. Cholecystitis is more commonly seen in individuals over the age of 40, especially in those with additional risk factors such as obesity or a high-fat diet.

Choice B reason:

Regular physical exercise is not considered a risk factor for cholecystitis. In fact, staying physically active is generally beneficial for overall health and may help reduce the risk of gallstone formation.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Family history of gallstones is a significant risk factor for developing cholecystitis. Genetics can play a role in the composition of bile and the propensity to form gallstones.

Choice D reason:

Consuming a low-fat diet is not a risk factor for cholecystitis. On the contrary, a high-fat diet is associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation and subsequent cholecystitis.