A patient presents with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and tenderness on palpation.The provider suspects a gallbladder disorder. How should the nurse distinguish between cholecystitis and cholelithiasis when planning care for this patient?

Choice A rationale This statement is incorrect because cholelithiasis specifically means the presence of stones (lithiasis), which are the most common cause of acute cholecystitis (inflammation). Cholecystitis is typically acute inflammation, often associated with stones, or sometimes chronic inflammation, but the two terms are not defined by the presence or absence of stones in this manner. Choice B rationale This statement is incorrect because cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are distinct but related conditions. Cholelithiasis refers only to the stones themselves, while cholecystitis is the inflammatory response of the gallbladder wall, which is frequently a consequence of the stones obstructing the cystic duct, but they are not synonyms. Choice C rationale This statement is incorrect as it reverses the correct definitions. Cholelithiasis (lithiasis means stones) is the condition of having gallstones within the gallbladder. Cholecystitis (cystitis means inflammation of the bladder) is the inflammation or infection of the gallbladder wall, which is commonly precipitated by a gallstone obstruction. Choice D rationale Cholelithiasis is the term derived from the Greek word lithos (stone) and cyst (bladder), meaning the condition of stones in the gallbladder, which may be asymptomatic. Cholecystitis is derived from the term chole (bile) and cyst (bladder) with the suffix -itis (inflammation), indicating an inflammatory process of the gallbladder wall, which causes the acute pain and tenderness. .