North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Study for the North Carolina EMT Exam with our engaging resources. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions designed to help you grasp critical concepts with hints and explanations. Ace your examination and take the first step towards a rewarding career in emergency medical services!

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Which symptom suggests the presence of cholecystitis?

RUQ pain
LLQ pain
Localized back pain
Shoulder pain

The correct answer is: RUQ pain

Cholecystitis, which is the inflammation of the gallbladder, is commonly associated with specific symptoms that can help in its identification. The prominent symptom indicative of cholecystitis is right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain. This pain arises as the gallbladder is located in the RUQ of the abdomen. Patients often describe this pain as sharp or severe and it may radiate to the right shoulder or back due to the shared nerve pathways. Understanding the anatomy is crucial here; any inflammation in the gallbladder typically leads to noticeable discomfort in its anatomical location. The specificity of RUQ pain as a symptom helps differentiate cholecystitis from other abdominal conditions, as other regions of pain often indicate different underlying issues. Thus, recognizing that RUQ pain is a hallmark symptom of cholecystitis reinforces the importance of localization in assessing abdominal pain.