Appendicitis Flashcards
McBurney’s point
Midway between the umbilicus and the anterior iliac crest
Side of the body the appendix is on:
Right
Possible complications r/t acute appendicitis
Perforation, peritonitis, and abscess
Manifestations of perforation:
Increased pain and high fever abdominal distention; can cause death is not treated rapidly
Clinical therapies for peritonitis
Removal of ruptured appendix
Antibiotics
Fluid resuscitation
Supportive treatment to maintain VS
Appendicitis:
Most often the cause is what
An obstruction
Often caused by fecalith (hard mass of feces)
Who is at greatest risk:
Adolescent boys
Diet low in fiber and high in carbs
Increased pain that not relived with appendicitis is a manifestation of a:
Perforation
Clinical Manifestations of Appendix:
On palpation, localized, and rebound tenderness are noted at McBurney point.
Extension or internal rotation of the right hip increase:
The pain
What signs and symptoms are present with appendicitis
Pain, low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
Diagnosis is delayed in older adults because:
Less acute pain and local tenderness
What is the most effective test for diagnosing acute appendicitis:
Abdominal ultrasound
Other diagnostic test:
Abdominal ultrasound Abdominal x-ray IV pyelogram Urinalysis Pelvic examination WBC w/ diff.
What labs are increased w/ Appendicitis
Total WBC is elevated
Increased number of immature WBCs (bands)
Surgical treatment for appendicitis:
Appendectomy
Pharmacological Therapy
IV fluids
Antibiotic therapy
Analgesics
Common manifestation in older adults:
Present with confusion
Implementation:
Promote effective respiratory exchange Promote fluid volume balance Prevent infection Provide effective pain management Provide effective patient teaching
Type of antibiotic used
Third generation-cephalosporin
Drugs that are cephalosporin Defoperazone
Cefoperazone (Cefobid)
Cefotaxime (Claforan)
Ceftazidime (Fortax)
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
What position is comfortable for them:
Fetal position (side lying w/ knees bent)
T/F acute rebound tenderness
True
Diet to help decrease the incidence of appendicitis
High fiber - fruits and vegetables
Should a heating pad be used
No increases the risk of perforation
What may occur if medical treatment is not seen for acute appendicitis in 24-36 hours
Peritonitis
Perforation
Most effective test for diagnosing acute appendicitis
Abdominal ultrasound
Peritonitis
Collab therapy
Low fat, high calorisurgery
Antibiotics
Fluid resuscitation
Passive range of motion
Surgery
Antibiotics
Fluid resuscitation
Once bowel sounds return, a patient can begin taking
Clear fluids
T/F
Heat encourages perforation
True
