Appendicitis Flashcards
What is appendicitis?
Acute inflm of the appendix wall
When is the peak incidence of appendicitis?
20-30 yrs
The Et of appendicitis is idiopathic, but what are 2 proposed causes?
- Fecalith obstructing cecum
2. Twisted bowel or appendix
Overview of the patho of appendicitis:
- Lumen obstructed
- Cecum drainage blocked
- Inced intraluminal pressure, which exceeds venous
pressure - Venous stasis
- ischemia
- Infarction
- Bacteria invade wall of appendix
What is a major concern when dealing with appendicitis?
Perforation
What word could be used to describe the shape of the appendix?
Vermiform
What are some mnfts of appendicitis?
- Pain
- Vomiting, nausea
- Inced temp
- Inced WBCs
Where is the acute pain associated with appendicitis felt?
In the epigastric or preumbilical areas
The pain during appendicitis changes to _______ pain over the span of about 12 hrs
Colicky
What is “colicky pain”
The pain comes in a wave-like pattern
Where does the pain during appendicitis localize to?
The RLQ
What kind of pain is “rebound pain”?
Pain that occurs upon release of pressure on the abdm
What is seen in pts with “guarded pain”?
They will be tensed up to try minimizing their pain as much as possible
What is migratory pain?
This is when pain moves from one part of the body to another over time
What is referred pain?
Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus
