APPENDICITIS

Question 1

inflammation of the appendix

Answer 1

appendicitis

Question 2

assessment for appendicitis

Answer 2

• abdominal pain
  • usually begins us generalizes pain
  • pain localizes to RLQ - mc burney’s point
  • rebound tenderness (indicates peritonitis)
  • sudden relief of pain (indicates perforation)
• n/v
• decreased appetite
• fever
• labs
  • CBC shows elevated WBC
  • elevated CRP
• CT shows inflamed appendix

Question 3

treatment for appendicitis

Answer 3

• appendectomy

Question 4

pre op management for appendicitis

Answer 4

PRE-OP
• no heat - may aggravate inflamed appendix and cause rupture
• position - right side, low fowler’s

Question 5

post op managemnet for appendicitis

Answer 5

• iv fluids
• iv antibiotics
• pain management (DEMEROL)
• NPO until return of bowel sounds
• wound care

Question 6

Small, fingerlike appendage about 10 cm (4 in) long that is attached to the cecum just below the ileocecal valve

Answer 6

appendix

Question 7

may be elicited by palpating the left lower quadrant; this paradoxically causes pain to be felt
in the right lower quadrant

Answer 7

rovsing’s sign

Question 8

dx procedures for appendicitis

Answer 8

• Complete blood cell count- Increase WBC
• Abdominal x-ray films
• Ultrasound studies
• CT scans- right lower quadrant density
• Pregnancy test- to rule out ectopic pregnancy

Question 9

complications of appendicitis

Answer 9

• Perforation of the appendix
• Peritonitis
• Abscess formation (collection of purulent material)
• Portal pylephlebitis- septic thrombosis of the portal vein caused by vegetative emboli that arise from septic
intestines

Question 10

discharge teachings for appendicitis

Answer 10

• Have the surgeon remove the sutures between the 5th and 7th days after surgery.
• Incision care
• Heavy lifting is to be avoided postoperatively
• Normal activity can usually be resumed within 2 to 4 weeks.