College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

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Which organ refers pain to the right shoulder?

  1. Liver

  2. Stomach

  3. Gallbladder

  4. Pancreas

The correct answer is: Gallbladder

The gallbladder is known to refer pain to the right shoulder, a phenomenon often related to a condition known as referred pain. This occurs due to shared nerve pathways. The gallbladder is situated under the liver on the right side of the abdomen, and irritation or inflammation in the gallbladder (such as from gallstones or cholecystitis) can lead to signals that are interpreted by the brain as pain in areas that are not directly associated with the gallbladder itself, such as the right shoulder. Understanding referred pain is essential in clinical practice, as it guides practitioners in diagnosing and treating underlying conditions that may present with atypical pain patterns. The right shoulder pain can often be mistaken for musculoskeletal issues, making awareness of gallbladder problems crucial for timely intervention.