A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse prioritize as a potential sign of a severe complication?

Choice A reason:

This statement is correct. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain that radiates to the right shoulder is a hallmark symptom of cholecystitis. The pain is typically sudden, severe, and constant, and it is often triggered by a fatty meal.

Choice B reason:

Left lower quadrant abdominal pain with rebound tenderness is not characteristic of cholecystitis. It may indicate other conditions, such as diverticulitis or appendicitis.

Choice C reason:

Midline epigastric pain aggravated by lying down is more indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rather than cholecystitis.

Choice D reason:

Diffuse abdominal pain with a low-grade fever may be seen in various conditions, but it does not specifically point to cholecystitis.

Choice A reason:

Nausea and vomiting after meals are common symptoms in acute cholecystitis, but they do not indicate a severe complication. They are typical manifestations of gallbladder inflammation.

Choice B reason:

Mild right upper quadrant pain may be present in acute cholecystitis, but it does not suggest a severe complication.

Choice C reason:

Referred pain to the left shoulder (Kehr's sign) is a classic symptom of splenic rupture or other conditions involving the spleen, not directly related to cholecystitis.

Choice D reason:

This statement is correct. High fever and chills may indicate the presence of infection and sepsis, which can be severe complications of acute cholecystitis.