Nursing care plan for acute cholecystitis

Introduction

Acute Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts by gallstones. Nursing care plan for Acute Cholecystitis is focused on providing relief to the patient from the associated pain and preventing future complications.

Assessment

Primary Diagnosis: Acute Cholecystitis
Secondary Diagnosis: Pain, Nausea abd Vomiting, Risk of Infection

Nursing Diagnosis

• Pain related to obstruction of the common bile duct by gallstones.
• Risk of infection related to inflammation of the gallbladcer.
• Nausea and vomiting related to increasing inflammation.

Outcomes

The patient will demonstrate reduced pain with decreased need for analgesic medications; improved fluid and electrolyte balance; will present with no signs of infection; and have improved nutrition through oral intake.

Interventions

1. Pain Management: Monitor vital signs and assess for any changes in level of pain; administer pain relievers as ordered; monitor the effect of medications; apply hot or cold compress as ordered; provide opportunity to discuss and verbalize pain.
2. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Monitor serial laboratory values including electrolytes, glucose, and BUN levels; Provide or encourage fluids within prescribed limits; monitor daily weight and record weekly weights.
3. Infection Prevention: Observe patient’s skin for signs of infection; monitor temperature routinely; encourage proper hand-washing; observe for signs and symptoms of infection such as fever and headache.
4. Nutrition: Monitor diet history, including food preferences, allergies, and intolerances; Assess food intake and nutritional status; Offer small, frequent meals per nursing/ physician order; Provide appropriate dietary supplement as ordered.

Rationales

Pain management is important to reduce the pain experienced by the patient and to improve comfort. Implementing strategies to balance fluids and electrolytes is important to ensure normal functioning of the body organs. Preventing infection is important to reduce the risk of complications. Enhancing nutrition can accelerate the wound healing process and promote overall health of the patient.

Evaluation

The patient was able to demonstrate improved pain control, improved fluid and electrolyte balance, absence of signs of infection, and improved nutrition.

Conclusion

Nursing care plan focuses on providing relief to the patient from the associated pain of acute cholecystitis, preventing further complications, improving fluid and electrolyte balance, and enhancing nutrition.

FAQs

• What is Acute Cholecystitis?
  Acute Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gall bladder, usually caused by a blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts by gallstones.
• What are the symptoms of Acute Cholecystitis?
  Symptoms of Acute Cholecystitis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
• What is the treatment for Acute Cholecystitis?
  Treatment for Acute Cholecystitis will depend on the severity of the condition and may include antibiotics, removal of the gallbladder, or a combination of both.
• What is the purpose of the nursing care plan for Acute Cholecystitis?
  The purpose of the nursing care plan for Acute Cholecystitis is to provide relief to the patient from the associated pain and preventing future compilations.
• What are the outcomes of the nursing care plan for Acute Cholecystitis?
  Outcomes of the nursing care plan for Acute Cholecystitis include reduced pain with decreased need for analgesic medications, improved fluid and electrolyte balance, no signs of infection, and improved nutrition through oral intake.