Appendicitis Flashcards
What is a condition where the appendix is inflamed from an obstruction of the lumen and causes severe abd pain?
Appendicitis
What are some s/s of appendicitis?
Fever, N/V, constant RLQ pain that @ beginning was intermittent, rebound tenderness, rigid/distended board-like abd
What is a + Blumberg’s sign (McBurney’s point)?
Apply pressure in RLQ then let go, once pressure is released then the pt. should feel the pain/tenderness (Rebound tenderness)
What is a + Rovsing’s sign?
Apply pressure to the LLQ then pt should have pain/tenderness in the RLQ
What is a + Psoas sign?
Pt. lies on left side extends right leg @ hip and should feel pain/tenderness in abd
What is a + obturator sign?
Pt lies on back knee to chest then has pain in RLQ
If pain in a pt goes away what could that be indicative of, which is also the reason why high analgesic doses aren’t given if appendicitis is expected?
Ruptured appendix
WBC, ESR, and neutrophils will all be what? And bandemia?
Elevated, positive
What medications are given to a pt. w/ appendicitis?
Dilaudid for pain (not too much) Zosyn as a broad spectrum antibiotic
What does a positive bandemia mean?
Positive for a bacterial infection
Postop what kind of diet will a pt have?
Initially NPO to clear liquid to a regular diet w/ restrictions
What position should a postop pt be in?
Semi-fowlers
What are 2 postop wound complications?
Dehiscence (opens up)
Evisceration (organs protrude out)
What are some important discharge teaching for the pt. going home from surgery?
No heavy lifting 4-6wks, report s/s of infection or abnormalities to wound site
What’s a common sign in an elderly who has appendicitis?
Confusion
