Obstructive Jaundice Secondary To Cholelithiasis: Nursing Case Study

Summary

Obstructive jaundice is a liver condition caused by blocked bile ducts. Students learn about its causes, symptoms, treatment and nursing care.

Obstructive jaundice symptoms

Obstructive jaundice is caused by a blockage of the bile ducts. Symptoms include yellow skin, pale stools, dark urine, nausea, itching, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, confusion and headache.

Bile and bile ducts

Bile is produced by the liver and flows through bile ducts. The common bile duct can be blocked by gallstones, leading to choledocholithiasis and possibly infection. Bile ducts can also have rare deformities.

Medical and surgical management

Surgery is often needed to treat obstructive jaundice. Open cholecystectomy is a safe and effective method for removing gallstones. A T-tube may be inserted to drain bile during or after surgery.

Discharge planning

After surgery, patients need a discharge plan. This includes medication, exercises, wound care, diet restrictions and follow-up consultations. Patients should also maintain their religious practices.

Key terms

Bile

A liquid produced by the liver that helps digest fats.

Bile ducts

Tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Choledocholithiasis

A condition where gallstones block the common bile duct.

Cholecystokinin

A hormone that stimulates bile secretion and gallbladder contraction.

Open cholecystectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder through an open incision.

T-tube

A small tube inserted into the bile duct to drain bile.

Questions this document helps with

• What causes obstructive jaundice?
• How is obstructive jaundice treated?
• What are the symptoms of obstructive jaundice?

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