Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is the cause of cholecystitis?

1. Infection

2. Gallstones obstructing the cystic duct

3. Chronic inflammation

4. Viral infection

The correct answer is: Gallstones obstructing the cystic duct

The primary cause of cholecystitis is gallstones obstructing the cystic duct. When gallstones are present, they can block the flow of bile from the gallbladder, leading to an accumulation of bile. This stasis can result in inflammation of the gallbladder tissue, triggering an acute inflammatory response, which is characteristic of cholecystitis. Although infections and chronic inflammation can be associated with the condition, they generally occur as secondary effects rather than being the initial cause. Similarly, while viral infections might influence other structures in the digestive system, they are not a common direct cause of cholecystitis. Therefore, the obstruction caused by gallstones is the most direct and frequent reason for the onset of this inflammatory condition.