Appendicitis

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

Appendix inflammation is referred to as appendicitis. Right lower abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite are typical symptoms of appendicitis. However, between one-third and fifty percent of people do not exhibit these typical symptoms and indicators. An urgent surgery to remove the appendix is necessary in the event of appendicitis. Appendicitis is most likely caused by an infection brought on by an obstruction in the appendix's lining. It is characterized by Sudden pain that starts in the lower right abdomen and moves to the right side, Sudden pain that starts around the navel and frequently moves to the right lower abdomen, Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, pain that gets worse if you cough, walk, or make other jarring motions, etc. It can be diagnosed via a blood test, rectal test, etc. To treat it, an appendectomy is performed surgically. Its risks include uncontrollable vomiting, abdominal pain that gets worse, etc.

Appendicitis

Appendix inflammation is referred to as appendicitis. Right lower abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite are typical symptoms of appendicitis. However, between one-third and fifty percent of people do not exhibit these typical symptoms and indicators. Sepsis and extensive, uncomfortable abdominal wall lining inflammation are among the serious side effects of an appendix rupture.

An urgent surgery to remove the appendix is necessary in the event of appendicitis. An inflamed appendix will eventually rupture or perforate if ignored, releasing infectious contents into the abdominal cavity. This can result in peritonitis, a severe infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum), which can be fatal if not treated very away with potent antibiotics.

 Causes

  • Appendicitis is most likely caused by an infection brought on by an obstruction in the appendix's lining. The germs grow quickly, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus. The appendix may rupture if it is not promptly treated.

 Sign and Symptoms

  • A sudden lower abdominal ache that starts on the right side.
  • Unexpected soreness that often radiates to your lower right abdomen from the area around your navel.
  • Pain that gets worse when you cough, move jarringly, or do other things.
  • Nausea and diarrhoea.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Low-grade fever that could get worse when the disease gets worse.
  • Bloating or diarrhea.
  • Stomach bloating.
  • 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit fever.
  • Inability to exhale.

 Diagnosis

  • Exam of the abdomen to look for inflammation.
  • To rule out a urinary tract infection, use a urine test.
  • Rectal exam.
  • Blood test to determine the state of your body's immune system.
  • Ultrasound or CT scans.

Treatment

Appendectomy

A single abdominal incision measuring between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm) long can be used to perform an appendectomy as an open procedure (laparotomy). Alternatively, a few tiny abdominal incisions could be used to perform the procedure (laparoscopic surgery). The appendix is removed during a laparoscopic appendectomy by the surgeon using specialized surgical instruments and a camera inserted into your abdomen.

 Nursing Management

  • Start out by avoiding heavy exertion. For three to five days, minimize your activities if your appendectomy was performed laparoscopically. For 10 to 14 days, you should avoid strenuous activities if you underwent an open appendectomy. Always inquire with your doctor about any activity restrictions and the timeline for returning to regular activities after surgery.
  • When you cough, support your abdomen. Before you cough, laugh, or move, place a cushion over your abdomen and apply pressure to help with pain relief.
  • In the event that your painkillers aren't working, contact your doctor. Your body experiences additional stress when you're in pain, which slows the healing process. Call your doctor if you're still experiencing pain despite taking painkillers.
  • When you're ready, stand up and leave. As you feel capable, gradually increase your activities. Start with quick strolls.
  • When you are sleepy. You can feel more sleepy than usual as your body repairs. Relax and take a nap when you need to.
  • Consult your doctor about starting back at work or school. When you are ready, you can go back to work. After surgery, kids might be able to go back to school in less than a week. Prior to starting any hard exercise again, such as gym classes or sports, they should wait two to four weeks.

 Complications

  • Irrational vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort that has become worse
  • A sense of faintness or dizziness
  • Blood in your urine or vomit
  • More discomfort and inflammation around your incision
  • Fever
  • A wound with pus

References

  • articledashboard.com/Article/What-is-appendicitis-/165270
  • gastrosurgeononline.com/appendicitis/
  • humanitas.net/diseases/appendicitis
  • mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/basics/causes/con-20023582
  • Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • mylabs.ph/appendicitis/
  • mulpix.com/instagram/appendicitis_appendix_pain.html
  • quizlet.com/95871061/digestive-system-diseases-flash-cards/
  • scribd.com/document/290937819/Appendicitis
  • yersinclinic.com/en/document/552/appendicitis
Things to remember
  • Appendix inflammation is referred to as appendicitis.
  • An urgent surgery to remove the appendix is necessary in the event of appendicitis.
  • The germs grow quickly, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus.
  • The appendix may rupture if it is not promptly treated.
  • Exam of the abdomen to look for inflammation
  • When you cough, support your abdomen. Before you cough, laugh, or move, place a cushion over your abdomen and apply pressure to help with pain relief.
Questions and Answers

Appendicitis

Appendix inflammation is referred to as appendicitis. Right lower abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite are typical symptoms of appendicitis. However, between one-third and fifty percent of people do not exhibit these typical symptoms and indicators. Sepsis and extensive, excruciating abdominal wall inflammation are serious side effects of an appendix rupture. An urgent surgery to remove the appendix is necessary in the event of appendicitis. An inflamed appendix will eventually rupture or perforate if ignored, releasing infectious contents into the abdominal cavity. This can result in peritonitis, a severe inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum), which can be fatal if not treated right away with potent antibiotics.

Sign and symptoms

  • A sudden lower abdominal ache that starts on the right side.
  • Unexpected soreness that often radiates to your lower right abdomen from the area around your navel
  • Pain that gets worse when you cough, move jarringly, or in other ways
  • Nausea and diarrhoea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Low-grade fever that could get worse when the disease gets worse
  • Bloating or diarrhea
  • Stomach bloating
  • 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit fever
  • Inability to exhale

Diagnosis

  • Exam of the abdomen to look for inflammation
  • To rule out a urinary tract infection, use a urine test.
  • Rectal exam
  • Blood test to determine the state of your body's immune system
  • Ultrasound or CT scans

Treatment

Appendectomy

A single abdominal incision measuring between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm) long can be used to perform an appendectomy as an open procedure (laparotomy). Alternatively, a few tiny abdominal incisions could be used to perform the procedure (laparoscopic surgery). The appendix is removed during a laparoscopic appendectomy by the surgeon using specialized surgical instruments and a camera inserted into your abdomen.

Nursing management

  • Start out by avoiding heavy exertion. For three to five days, minimize your activities if your appendectomy was performed laparoscopically. For 10 to 14 days, you should avoid strenuous activity if you had an open appendectomy. Always inquire with your doctor about any activity restrictions and the timeline for returning to regular activities after surgery.
  • When you cough, support your abdomen. Before you cough, laugh, or move, place a pillow over your abdomen and apply pressure to help with pain relief.
  • In the event that your painkillers aren't working, contact your doctor. Your body experiences additional stress when you're in pain, which slows the healing process. Call your doctor if you're still experiencing pain despite taking painkillers.
  • When you're ready, stand up and leave. As you feel capable, gradually increase your activities. Start with quick strolls.
  • When you are sleepy. You can feel more sleepy than usual as your body repairs. Relax and take a nap when you need to.
  • Consult your doctor about starting back at work or school. When you are ready, you can go back to work. After surgery, kids might be able to go back to school in less than a week. They ought to hold off resuming for two to four weeks strenuous activity, such as gym classes or sports.

 

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