Appendicitis module 3 Exam Questions
and Answers
Pathophysiology/Etiology - Answer-Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform
appendix. It is a common cause of acute abdominal pain.
The appendix functions regularly filled with and emptied of digested foods.
Obstruction (usually by a hard mass of feces) of the proximal lumen of the appendix is
apparent in most acutely inflamed cases.
Following the obstruction, the appendix becomes distended with fluid secreted by its
mucosa, blood supply is impaired, this leads to inflammation, edema, ulceration, and
infection.
This can ultimately lead to rupture of the appendix and GI contents spilling into the
peritoneal space, which can lead to peritonitis.
*Classifications/stages of appendicits*-
Simple- appendix is inflamed, but intact.
Gangerous- areas of tissue necrosis and microscopic proliferations.
Perforated- gross perforation and contamination of the peritoneal cavity.
Risk Factors/Prevention of appendicitis - Answer-*Risk Factors*- Adolescent males are
at greatest risk.
Fecaliths (hard mass of feces) can occur at any age, in any gender.
People who have a diet low in fiber and high in carbs are also at risk.
GI infections can promote appendicitis.
*Prevention*- Appendicitis cannot be prevented. A good diet can reduce the risk of
developing.
Clinical Manifestations of appendicitis - Answer-Characteristics of acute appendicitis-
continuous, mild, generalized or upper abd. pain. Over the next 4 hours, the pain gets
worse and is felt in the lower quadrant of the abd. Low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea,
and vomiting are usually present.
In older adults- diagnosis may be delayed because of less acute pain and local
tenderness.
Pregnant women can develop appendicitis due to the appendix being distended by the
uterus.
Lifespan and Cultural Considerations - Answer-It is uncommon for children under the
age of 4 to develop appendicitis.
Common S&S in infants- listlessness, inconsolability, vomiting and distended abd.
Proliferation rates were higher among black and Latino children.
Most common in adolescents and young adults.
Diagnostic tests/therapy for appendicitis - Answer-Adb. ultrasound is the most effective
test for acute appendicitis.
Other tests: abd. x-ray, intravenous pyelogram, UA, pelvic exam, WBC w/ differential.
and Answers
Pathophysiology/Etiology - Answer-Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform
appendix. It is a common cause of acute abdominal pain.
The appendix functions regularly filled with and emptied of digested foods.
Obstruction (usually by a hard mass of feces) of the proximal lumen of the appendix is
apparent in most acutely inflamed cases.
Following the obstruction, the appendix becomes distended with fluid secreted by its
mucosa, blood supply is impaired, this leads to inflammation, edema, ulceration, and
infection.
This can ultimately lead to rupture of the appendix and GI contents spilling into the
peritoneal space, which can lead to peritonitis.
*Classifications/stages of appendicits*-
Simple- appendix is inflamed, but intact.
Gangerous- areas of tissue necrosis and microscopic proliferations.
Perforated- gross perforation and contamination of the peritoneal cavity.
Risk Factors/Prevention of appendicitis - Answer-*Risk Factors*- Adolescent males are
at greatest risk.
Fecaliths (hard mass of feces) can occur at any age, in any gender.
People who have a diet low in fiber and high in carbs are also at risk.
GI infections can promote appendicitis.
*Prevention*- Appendicitis cannot be prevented. A good diet can reduce the risk of
developing.
Clinical Manifestations of appendicitis - Answer-Characteristics of acute appendicitis-
continuous, mild, generalized or upper abd. pain. Over the next 4 hours, the pain gets
worse and is felt in the lower quadrant of the abd. Low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea,
and vomiting are usually present.
In older adults- diagnosis may be delayed because of less acute pain and local
tenderness.
Pregnant women can develop appendicitis due to the appendix being distended by the
uterus.
Lifespan and Cultural Considerations - Answer-It is uncommon for children under the
age of 4 to develop appendicitis.
Common S&S in infants- listlessness, inconsolability, vomiting and distended abd.
Proliferation rates were higher among black and Latino children.
Most common in adolescents and young adults.
Diagnostic tests/therapy for appendicitis - Answer-Adb. ultrasound is the most effective
test for acute appendicitis.
Other tests: abd. x-ray, intravenous pyelogram, UA, pelvic exam, WBC w/ differential.
