Appendicitis Flashcards
Where is the appendix located?
Right where the small and large intestine meet.
What is a definition of appendicitis and why is it called that?
Inflammation of vermiform appendix. Because it looks like a worm.
What percent of the population does this effect and when does it most commonly occur?
5% of the population. Most common in adolescents and young adults.
Where is McBurneys point located?
2/3 of the way from umbilicus to Anterior Superior Iliac Spine.
Why is McBurney’s point a classic sign?
When you push on it and release it quickly the patient experiences rebound tenderness.
What can happen within 24-36 hours to an acutely inflamed appendix?
It can perforate from tissue necrosis and gangrene
If perforation occurs what symptom will disappear from the patient?
Sudden disappearance of pain at McBurney’s point.
What has occurred if the patient has a sudden disappearance of pain at McBurney’s point?
The appendix has perforated. Immediate surgery is required.
What symptoms does a patient exhibit if t hey has appendicitis?
not wanting to eat, mild temperature increase, increased white blood cell count, nausea, vomiting.
What diet is most susceptible for an individual to have appendicitis?
Low fiber high carbs
Who is at the greatest risk for appendicitis?
adolescent males
What is the main sign in older adults that they may have appendicitis?
Confusing! Often misdiagnosed.
What are the symptoms in infants that they have appendicitis?
Listlessness, inconsolability, vomiting, distended abdomen.
What diagnostic tests needs to be done to show appendicitis?
Abdominal ultrasound, intravenous pyelogram, urinalysis, pelvic exam, WBC with differential, pregnancy test.
Why is it important to do a pregnancy test on a female you think may have appendicitis?
To rule out ectopic pregnancy.
What kind of antibiotic are generally prescribed for appendicitis?
3rd generation cephalosporins.
Why is it important to assess the patients most recent food and fluid intake?
They probably need to head to surgery.
What are the three main diagnosis for a patient with appendicitis?
- Risk for impaired gas exchange
- Risk for deficient fluid volume
- Risk for infection
Why is it important for a patient who underwent surgery to use a incentive spirometer?
To blow the anesthesia out of the lungs
Why is it important to encourage ambulation after surgery?
Gets peristalsis going.
If a patient underwent laparoscopic surgery do they need to splint their incision when coughing?
No- the incision should be small enough
What vital sign is important to note for potential infection?
Fever
If a patients appendix ruptured what do you need to assess after surgery?
Wound and abdominal girth
In order to not overwhelm the belly after surgery what do you need to educate the patients and parents on?
Reestablishing the diet slowly
Who are you most likely educating when preparing the patient for surgery and discharge?
A child and their parent.
The nurse caring for a client admitted with suspected appendicitis appropriately plans which of the following?
A. Initiate bowel preparation for a barium enema.
B. Restrict intake to clear fluids.
C. Prepare for a possible appendectomy.
D. Insert a saline lock for antibiotic therapy.
C. Prepare for possible appendectomy.
The parent of a child undergoing an emergency appendectomy tell the nurse, “If I had brought my child in yesterday at the first complaint of an upset stomach, this wouldn’t have happened.” Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?
- “It’s okay; you got here just in time before it ruptured.”
- “It can be difficult to predict when a simple complaint will become more serious.”
- “Next time your child seems sick, come in right away.”
- “Sometimes parents can make a mistake without meaning to do so.”
- “It can be difficult to predict when a simply complaint will become more serious.”
This can help calm the parent.
