appendicitis Flashcards
True or False: The appendix is found on the left lower side of the abdomen and is connected to the cecum of the large intestine.
False
Select all the following options that are NOT causes of appendicitis:
A. Fecalith
B. Routine usage of NSAIDs
C. Infection due to Helicobacter pylori
D. Lymph node enlargement due to viral or bacterial infection
E. Diet low in fiber
B C E
A 23 year old patient is admitted with suspected appendicitis. The patient states he is having pain around the umbilicus that extends into the lower part of his abdomen. In addition, he says that the pain is worst on the right lower quadrant. The patient points to his abdomen at a location which is about a one-third distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and umbilicus. This area is known as what?
A. Rovsing’s Point
B. Hamman’s Point
C. McBurney’s Point
D. Murphy’s Point
C
Thinking back to the scenario in question 3, what other signs and symptoms are associated with appendicitis. SELECT-ALL-THAT-APPLY:
A. Increased red blood Cells
B. Patient has the desire to be positioned in the prone position to relieve pain
C. Umbilical pain that extends in the right lower quadrant
D. Abdominal rebound tenderness
E. Abdominal Flaccidity
C D
An 18 year old patient is admitted with appendicitis. Which statement by the patient requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. “The pain hurts so much it is making me nauseous.”
B. “I have no appetite.”
C. “The pain seems to be gone now.”
D. “If I position myself on my right side, it makes the pain less intense.”
C
You’re providing education to a group of nursing students about the care of a patient with appendicitis. Which statement by a nursing student requires re-education about your teaching?
A. “After an appendectomy the patient may have a nasogastric tube to remove stomach fluids and swallowed air.”
B. “Non-pharmacological techniques for a patient with appendicitis include application of heat to the abdomen and the side-lying position.”
C. “The nurse should monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of peritonitis which includes increased heart rate, respirations, temperature, abdominal distention, and intense abdominal pain.”
D. “It is normal for some patients to have shoulder pain after a laparoscopic appendectomy.”
B
Your patient is 4 days post-opt from an appendectomy. Which assessment finding requires further evaluation?
A. The patient reports their last bowel movement was the day before surgery.
B. The patient reports incisional pain.
C. The patient coughs and deep breathes while splinting the abdominal incision.
D. Options A and C
A
A patient is recovering after having an appendectomy. The patient is 48 hours post-opt from surgery and is tolerating full liquids. The physician orders for the patient to try solid foods. What types of foods should the patient incorporate in their diet?
A. Foods high in fiber
B. Foods low in fiber
C. Foods high in carbohydrates
D. Foods low in protein
A
A patient is scheduled for appendectomy at noon. While performing your morning assessment, you note that the patient has a fever of 103.8 ‘F and rates abdominal pain 9 on 1-10. In addition, the abdomen is distended and the patient states, “I was feeling better last night but it seems the pain has become worst.” The patient is having tachycardia and tachypnea. Based on the scenario, what do you suspect the patient is experiencing?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Colon Fistulae
C. Peritonitis
D. Hemorrhage
C
Which clinical manifestation does the nurse expect with acute appendicitis?
A. High fever
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Rebound tenderness
D. Pain relieved with ambulation
C
Which condition may occur if the client does not seek medication attention for acute appendicitis within 24dash36 hours? (Select all that apply.)
A. Seizure
B. Constipation
C. Nausea
D. Peritonitis
E. Perforation
D E
A client telephones the health clinic with complaints of generalized abdominal pain which is aggravated by moving or walking. The client has not been able to eat for a day and is nauseated. Which advice should the nurse provide to this client?
A. “Take a warm shower and apply a heating pad to the abdomen.”
B. “Rest in bed and drink warm fluids.”
C. “Seek immediate medical attention.”
D. “Take an over-the-counter laxative.”
C
A teenage boy presents with suspected appendicitis. The caregiver asks, “Why did my son get this?” Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
A. “Your son has been eating too much fiber.”
B. “Your son is eating too many fruits and vegetables.”
C. “Your son has not been getting enough exercise.”
D. “Your adolescent son is in a risk group.”
D
Appendicitis almost always results from an obstruction in the appendiceal lumen. Which problem should the nurse identify as the cause of this obstruction?
A. Monolith
B. Fecalith
C. Tonsillolith
D. Ptyalith
B
Which assessment finding leads the nurse to suspect that an older client may have appendicitis? (Select all that apply.)
A. Pain migrating from the lower left to the upper right quadrant
B. Tenderness when pressing McBurney point
C. Confusion
D. No abdominal pain
E. Internal rotation of the left hip increases pain
B C E
