Which trio of symptoms constitutes Charcot’s triad?

Charcot’s triad is a classic set of symptoms associated with acute cholangitis, which is an infection of the bile duct system often due to obstruction. The trio includes fever with chills, right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, and jaundice.

Fever indicates the presence of an infectious process, while chills suggest a systemic response to this infection. The RUQ pain correlates with the anatomical location of the liver and bile ducts, where obstruction and subsequent inflammation can occur. Jaundice arises from bilirubin accumulation due to the obstruction of bile flow.

This combination of symptoms provides critical information for diagnosing acute cholangitis and sets the stage for further investigations and management. Recognizing these signs in a clinical setting is important for timely intervention, as acute cholangitis can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The other answer options include symptoms that are not part of Charcot’s triad or do not provide the same clinical relevance to cholangitis.