Lower GI

Question 1

facts about Appendicitis

Answer 1

-inflammation of the appendix
-its an obstruction
Signs:
-generalized or upper abdominal pain
-intensifies & localizes to RLQ (mcburney point)
-rebound tenderness
-pain aggravated with movement, walking, or coughing
-guarding and minimal movement
-positive psoas sign
-positive rovsings sign
-low grade fever, N/V, tachy, diarrhea
-DX with ABD U/S, CT scan, increased WBC and bands, urinalysis to rule out UTI and ectopic pregnancy
perforation: within 24-48 hours it can rupture spilling bacteria into abdominal cavity
-DO NOT APPLY HEAT OR GIVE LAXATIVES/ENEMAS