Pain in cholecystitis typically radiates from the right upper quadrant to which area?

Prepare for the NREMT Advanced-EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Pain in cholecystitis typically radiates from the right upper quadrant to which area?

Explanation:
Pain from cholecystitis is often referred to the right shoulder. The gallbladder sits under the liver on the right side and inflammation of its surrounding peritoneum irritates the diaphragmatic surface. The phrenic nerve (C3–C5) carries that diaphragmatic irritation to the shoulder area, with the right shoulder being the most common site due to the right diaphragmatic irritation. So, the right shoulder is the classic location patients report. The left shoulder, lower back, or pelvis aren’t typical referral sites for gallbladder inflammation because of how the diaphragmatic nerves project sensation to the shoulder region.

Pain from cholecystitis is often referred to the right shoulder. The gallbladder sits under the liver on the right side and inflammation of its surrounding peritoneum irritates the diaphragmatic surface. The phrenic nerve (C3–C5) carries that diaphragmatic irritation to the shoulder area, with the right shoulder being the most common site due to the right diaphragmatic irritation. So, the right shoulder is the classic location patients report. The left shoulder, lower back, or pelvis aren’t typical referral sites for gallbladder inflammation because of how the diaphragmatic nerves project sensation to the shoulder region.

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