Appendicitis Flashcards
Inflammation of the vermiform appendix
Appendicitis
Assessment
Pain upon removal of pressure rather than application of pressure to the abdomen
Peritonitis/Appendicitis
Blumberg’s Sign
Assessment
Acute abdominal pain at RLQ when palpitated
McBurney’s sign
More common in males 10-30years of age
Appendicitis
Etiology
Obstruction by fecal impaction, kinking of the appendix, parasites or infections
Low fiber diet
High intake of refined carbohydrates
Appendicitis
Assessment
A positive sign is when there is tenderness in the RLQ when palpitating the LLQ
Rovsing’s Sign
RLQ pain that is produced with the patient extending the hip due to inflammation of the peritoneum overlying the psoas muscles themselves
Straightening out the leg causes pain
Psoa’s Sign
Assessment
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting
Rigid and guarded abdomen
Fever (temperature of 38-38.5 °C)
Psoas or Copes psoas or obraztsova’s Sign
Decreased or absent bowel sounds
Appendicitis
Diagnostic Tests: Appendicitis
WBC count
Ultrasound
CT Scan
Neuro-Spec Imaging
Pregnancy test
Urinalysis
Diagnostic Tests
WBC
Leukocytosis: WBC above 10,000/mm3
Perforation: WBC above 20,000/mm3
Diagnostic Tests
May reveal enlarged appendix
Ultrasound
Diagnostic Tests
Ordered if symptoms are recurrent or prolonged. May reveal presence of fecalith
CT Scan
Diagnostic Tests
Uses technetium labelled anti-CD 15 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to neutrophils at the injection site
Uses gamma camera; diagnosis within 1hr
Neuro-Spec imaging
Surgical Management: Appendicitis
- Laparoscopy
- Laparotomy
- Appendectomy
Surgical Management: Appendicitis
A small incision in the umbilicus is made and a small endoscope is used to visualize the appendix
If diagnosis is not definitive
Laparoscopy
