Nokea
A patient with chronic cholecystitis asks the nurse whether she will need to continue a low-fat diet after she has a cholecystectomy. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because after a cholecystectomy, the gallbladder is removed, and bile flows continuously from the liver into the intestine. Initially, the intestine may struggle to adjust to this continuous flow of bile, leading to difficulty in digesting fats. Therefore, a low-fat diet is recommended for a few weeks post-surgery to aid in this adjustment period. This answer acknowledges the temporary need for a low-fat diet until the body adapts.
Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a low-fat diet post-cholecystectomy is not to prevent further gallstones but to aid in fat digestion. Choice B is incorrect as the body can still digest fats adequately even without a gallbladder, though it may take some time to adjust. Choice D is incorrect because while the pain associated with fat intake may be eliminated, it is still important to follow dietary recommendations post-surgery for optimal recovery.