Appendicitis

Question 1

what is appendicitis

Answer 1

appendix becomes inflammed and edematous leading to obstruction
ischemia…bacterial overgrowth….gangrene or perforation

Question 2

what age and gender gets appendicitis the most

Answer 2

10-30
males

Question 3

what are the clinical manifestations of appendicitis

Answer 3

vague periumbilical pain w/ anorexia that leads to RLQ pain w/ nausea
localized tenderness @ McBurney’s point
rebound tenderness
low-grade fever
rovsing’s sign
constipation

Question 4

what would the diagnostic findings be for appendicitis

Answer 4

high wbc w/ high neutrophils
high crp
ct/ultrasound of abd

Question 5

what tests should be done to rule out other conditions

Answer 5

urinalysis-uti
pregnancy test-ectopic pregnancy

Question 6

what is the medical management for appendicitis

Answer 6

surgery- appendectomy (laparoscopic or open)
antibioitcs
iv fluids

Question 7

nursing management to prepare pt for surgery

Answer 7

NPO
iv fluids
antibiotics
analgesia

Question 8

nursing management for post op care

Answer 8

ABCs
pain management-drink fluids, stool softner
adv diet-clear liquid, soft
i & o
early ambulation
bowel sounds

Question 9

discharge instructions for appendectomy

Answer 9

wound care-no baths
monitor infection