And Answers 2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. What is the primary function of the gallbladder?
A) Store and concentrate bile
B) Produce insulin
C) Synthesize clotting factors
D) Filter metabolic wastes
Correct Answer: A) Store and concentrate bile
Rationale: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the
liver and releases it into the duodenum during digestion, particularly after
fatty meals.
Q2. Which hormone stimulates gallbladder contraction after food
enters the small intestine?
A) Insulin
B) Cholecystokinin
C) Glucagon
D) Aldosterone
Correct Answer: B) Cholecystokinin
Rationale: Cholecystokinin, released by the intestinal mucosa, stimulates
gallbladder contraction and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi.
Q3. Which condition is characterized by stones within the biliary
system?
A) Cholecystitis
B) Hepatitis
C) Cholelithiasis
D) Cirrhosis
Correct Answer: C) Cholelithiasis
Rationale: Cholelithiasis refers to gallstones, which are solid deposits that
form from components of bile, most commonly cholesterol.
Q4. Which finding is most characteristic of acute cholecystitis?
A) Left lower-quadrant pain
B) Painless hematuria
, C) Severe substernal pain relieved by antacids
D) Right upper-quadrant pain that may radiate to the right shoulder
Correct Answer: D) Right upper-quadrant pain that may radiate to the right
shoulder
Rationale: Acute gallbladder inflammation commonly causes right upper-
quadrant pain, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder, especially
after fatty meals.
Q5. Which factor increases the risk of cholesterol gallstones?
A) Chronic underhydration only
B) Obesity
C) Low cholesterol production
D) Prolonged fasting alone
Correct Answer: B) Obesity
Rationale: Obesity is an important risk factor for cholesterol gallstones
because it is associated with increased cholesterol secretion into bile.
Q6. Which diagnostic study is commonly the initial imaging test for
suspected gallstones?
A) Abdominal ultrasound
B) EEG
C) Colonoscopy
D) Chest CT
Correct Answer: A) Abdominal ultrasound
Rationale: Ultrasound is noninvasive and effectively identifies gallstones,
gallbladder wall changes, and biliary dilation.
Q7. What is the primary purpose of an ERCP?
A) Measure cardiac output
B) Evaluate kidney filtration
C) Visualize and potentially treat the biliary and pancreatic ducts
D) Measure pulmonary function
Correct Answer: C) Visualize and potentially treat the biliary and pancreatic
ducts