Question

your patient has an inflammation of the gallbladder resulting in abdominal pain. which of the following descriptions of the pain should you most likely expect the patient to report?

visceral-dull, poorly localized pain.
somatic-dull, poorly localized pain.
visceral-sharp, easily localized pain.
somatic-sharp, easily localized pain.

Explanation:

Identify the affected organ and pathophysiology

Using the Cholecystitis Pathophysiology knowledge point

The patient has inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). The gallbladder is a hollow, intraperitoneal abdominal organ.

Classify the type of pain

Using the Somatic vs Visceral Pain knowledge point

Pain arising from the stretching, inflammation, or ischemia of hollow or solid internal organs (like the gallbladder) is classified as visceral pain. Visceral pain fibers are sparse and multi-segmental, which typically results in a dull, aching, or squeezing sensation that is poorly localized by the patient.

Differentiate from somatic pain

Using the Somatic vs Visceral Pain knowledge point

Somatic pain arises from the irritation of the parietal peritoneum, skin, or musculoskeletal structures. It is characterized by sharp, intense, and easily localized sensations. Since the initial presentation of gallbladder inflammation primarily involves the organ itself, the patient will report visceral pain described as dull and poorly localized.

Answer:

• Visceral--dull, poorly localized pain. (Correct answer)
• Somatic--dull, poorly localized pain.
• Visceral--sharp, easily localized pain.
• Somatic--sharp, easily localized pain.