Which diagnosis is typically associated with pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ)?

Prepare for the ScribeAmerica Pathophysiology Test. Dive into detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and thorough explanations. Equip yourself to excel in your exam!

The diagnosis typically associated with pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) is cholecystitis. This condition involves inflammation of the gallbladder, which is located in the RUQ. The pain often occurs after the ingestion of fatty foods and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. The inflammation can lead to obstruction, usually due to gallstones, causing sharp pain in that area.

Other conditions mentioned, such as pancreatitis, primarily cause pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back, often in the central or left upper quadrant rather than being localized specifically to the RUQ. Appendicitis typically involves pain that starts around the umbilicus and then shifts to the right lower quadrant, while diverticulitis often presents with symptoms in the left lower quadrant, depending on the location of the diverticula. Thus, cholecystitis is the most relevant diagnosis when considering localized pain in the RUQ.

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