Final answer:
Cholecystitis risk factors include gender and hormonal exposure, diet and body weight, and medical history including previous gallstones and certain medical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse reviewing the plan of care for a patient with cholecystitis would consider several risk factors associated with the condition. Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder that often occurs due to the presence of gallstones. Three major risk factors for the development of cholecystitis are:
- Gender and Hormones: Females, especially those who may have been exposed to higher levels of estrogen (such as during pregnancy or when using oral contraceptives), are at increased risk.
- Diet and Body Weight: Individuals with obesity or those who have a diet high in cholesterol and low in fiber may have an elevated risk due to increased cholesterol levels, which can lead to gallstone formation.
- Medical History: Those with a personal or family history of gallstones or certain medical conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, or metabolic conditions like diabetes, may have a higher likelihood of developing cholecystitis.
Other contributing factors to consider include the presence of infections like Heliobacter pylori, the use of tobacco products, or having several close genetic relatives with gallstone-related conditions.