NCLEX PN Practice Test Practice Question
An adult who has cholecystitis reports clay-colored stools and moderate jaundice. The nurse knows that which is the best explanation for the presence of clay-colored stools and jaundice?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clay-colored stools and jaundice indicate a disruption in bile flow. An obstruction in the common bile duct prevents bile from reaching the intestines, leading to pale stools due to the lack of bilirubin. Jaundice occurs as bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream.
Option A suggests a pancreatic duct obstruction, which would not directly cause clay-colored stools. Option B, while related to gallstones, does not specify their location and does not explain the jaundice. Option C incorrectly states that bile is not produced; rather, bile is produced but cannot flow due to the obstruction. Thus, option D accurately explains the symptoms.
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