Which condition is inflammation of the gallbladder that is commonly associated with the presence of gallstones?

• A. Pancreatitis
• B. Peritonitis
• C. Hernia
• D. Cholecystitis

Answer: (D)

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most often caused by gallstones that block the cystic duct, leading to bile buildup and irritation of the gallbladder wall. This causes right upper quadrant or mid‑epigastric pain, often with tenderness, fever, and sometimes nausea or vomiting; a positive Murphy sign may be present when the examiner palpates the RUQ and the patient catches their breath due to gallbladder irritation. Other conditions listed involve different organs: pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas with pain that can radiate to the back, peritonitis is inflammation of the abdominal lining causing diffuse severe pain and a rigid abdomen, and a hernia is a protrusion of tissue through a weakness in the abdominal wall. The key idea is that inflammation of the gallbladder associated with stones points to cholecystitis.