Question

A client asks the nurse, "What's the purpose of a gall bladder anyway? My mom lived for many years without her gallbladder." Which information would be beneficial for the nurse to share with this client?

1) You are right. We still don't know the function of the gallbladder.
2) It stores bile until it is needed for digestion of fats.
3) It destroys old red blood cells.
4) It helps you digest carbohydrates by producing enzymes.

Answer 1

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, aiding in the emulsification of fats during digestion. It releases bile into the duodenum when needed, although one can live without it as bile can still reach the duodenum directly from the liver.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ that plays a crucial role in the digestive system, specifically in the digestion of fats. It stores bile, which is a greenish liquid produced by the liver. Bile is essential for the emulsification of fats, which is a process that breaks down large fat molecules into smaller ones, making them easier to digest in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. When food containing fats enters the digestive system and arrives at the duodenum, the gallbladder releases the stored bile through the cystic duct into the duodenum to aid in fat digestion. While a person can live without a gallbladder, as the bile can still go directly from the liver to the duodenum, the organ's function is to store and concentrate bile making the digestion of fatty foods more efficient.