Appendicitis

Question 1

Pathophysiology

Answer 1

-infection/ obstruction blocks the appendix
-mucus outflow if blocked
-appendix distends
-pressure builds up until rupture
-causes infection into abdominal cavity

Question 2

Signs and symptoms

Answer 2

-umbilical pain shifting to RLQ
-low grade fever
-nausea and vomiting
-diarrhoea/ constipation
-rovsing (when press in LLQ and feel pain in RLQ) and psoas sign (can’t lift right leg or causes a lot of pain)

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

-not clearly understood
-more prevalent in men
-more prevalent between puberty and 25

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

Pain relief
-paracetamol
-morphine
-entonox- not if any suspicion of obstruction
-distraction
Anti emetic
-metoclopromide- not with suspected obstruction in GI
-ondansetron
Pathway
-transfer to hospital for further treatment
-correct CABCD, time critical transfer
-in hospital, have blood test, pregnancy test, urine test, ultrasound, CT, laparoscopy, then appendectomy