APPENDICITIS Flashcards
Appendicitis is an _____ of the appendix
due to ______.
Inflammation, obstruction
Appendicitis occurs most in what age
group?
15 to 35
What is the most common complication of
appendicitis?
Peritonitis
What is the first sign of appendicitis?
Periumbilical pain (around the navel)
What follows the periumbilical abdominal
pain of appendicitis?
Nausea and vomiting
Where does the pain of appendicitis
finally end up?
Right lower quadrant
What is the name of the right lower
quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain where
appendicitis pain finally localizes?
McBirney’s point
What is present when rebound tenderness
is present?
Peritoneal inflammation
When the pain of appendicitis goes away
the client is improving. (T/F)
False – rupture has occurred
What is the highest that the temp will be
in appendicitis?
102° F
What blood count is elevated in
appendicitis?
WBC
What is the name for an elevated WBC?
Leukocytosis
What is the only treatment recommended
for appendicitis?
for appendicitis?
Surgery – appendectomy
Before the client with suspected
appendicitis sees the physician what
should be avoided?
No pain medications, NO enemas or
laxatives, no food (NPO)
To lessen pain place the client in ____
position.
Fowlers (Use post-operatively also)
