In which abdominal quadrant would you most likely find pain if a patient has cholelithiasis?

Cholelithiasis, commonly known as gallstones, typically presents with pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen. This is primarily due to the anatomical location of the gallbladder, which is situated in the RUQ. When gallstones occur, they can obstruct the cystic duct, leading to inflammation or distension of the gallbladder, often causing severe pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back.

The pain associated with cholelithiasis is commonly characterized as a sudden, intense discomfort, often referred to as biliary colic. This condition frequently occurs after eating a fatty meal, as the gallbladder contracts to release bile for digestion, potentially exacerbating the pain if gallstones are present.

In contrast, pain in the other quadrants would be associated with different conditions: the left upper quadrant (LUQ) is more commonly associated with issues related to the spleen or stomach; the right lower quadrant (RLQ) often points to appendicitis; and the left lower quadrant (LLQ) might indicate diverticulitis or other gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, the RUQ is the expected area for pain in cases of cholelithiasis, making it the correct