PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by RUQ pain, jaundice, and dark urine?

1. Cholecystitis

2. Cholelithiasis

3. Choledocholithiasis

4. Biliary colic

The correct answer is: Choledocholithiasis

The condition characterized by right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, jaundice, and dark urine is choledocholithiasis. In this condition, gallstones obstruct the common bile duct, leading to a backup of bile. This obstruction causes the bile to accumulate in the liver and results in the release of bilirubin into the bloodstream, which manifests as jaundice. The dark urine occurs because excess bilirubin is excreted through the kidneys. The presence of RUQ pain is associated with the distension of the biliary system and inflammation due to the blockage. The clinical presentation of this condition makes it distinctive compared to other conditions involving the biliary system. For example, while cholecystitis and cholelithiasis may cause RUQ pain, they do not typically cause jaundice and dark urine unless there is an associated obstruction. Biliary colic is usually characterized by intermittent pain due to gallbladder contraction and is not associated with the symptoms of jaundice or dark urine.