Capacity of gall bladder is around

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

The gallbladder is a small organ whose primary role is to store and concentrate bile.
Anatomical and physiological references state its normal capacity is in the range of 30 to 50 ml.
The option of 50 ml accurately falls within this established physiological range.
Bile is concentrated in the gallbladder by absorbing water, which allows a small organ to hold an effective amount of bile salts.

Option A: A capacity of 150 ml is three times the maximum normal volume of a healthy gallbladder.
Option B: A capacity of 250 ml is five times the maximum normal volume and is indicative of significant pathology, not normal function.
Option D: A capacity of 500 ml is ten times the normal limit and is an extremely large, non-physiological volume for the gallbladder.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and Physiology of the Biliary System as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the normal capacity of the gallbladder is crucial for interpreting imaging studies like ultrasound. A gallbladder significantly larger than 50 ml without contraction after a fatty meal may indicate a functional or obstructive issue.
In conditions like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), the organ can become distended and tense, causing significant pain (biliary colic). Knowledge of its normal size helps in assessing the severity.
What if? If a patient's ultrasound report mentions a gallbladder volume of 120 ml, the nurse should recognize this as abnormal distension. This finding, especially with right upper quadrant pain, would warrant notifying the physician promptly as it could indicate cholecystitis or an obstruction.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: It asks for a specific anatomical value - the capacity of the gallbladder.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of the gastrointestinal system's anatomy.
Recall that the gallbladder is a small, storage organ, not a large reservoir. This helps eliminate the larger volume options.
Compare the remaining options to the known physiological range. The standard capacity is 30-50 ml.
Select the option that best fits this known value.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QTHWFfaA0gB_saUNjDiBt-

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 63-65

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 632-634

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.