GASTON COLLEGE NUR 112
APPENDICITIS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Prevention: - Answer-Appendicitis cannot be prevented; however, certain dietary habits
may reduce the risk of developing this condition. Eating foods that contain high fiber
content, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, decreases the incidence of appendicitis
Clinical Manifestations: - Answer-· The initial characteristic manifestation of acute
appendicitis is continuous, mild, generalized or upper abdominal pain. Over the next 4
hours, the pain intensifies and localizes in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Pain associated with appendicitis is aggravated by moving, walking, or coughing. On
palpation, localized and rebound tenderness are noted at McBurney point. In addition to
pain, a low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are often present.
Lifespan considerations:
Older adults - Answer-Because of less acute pain and local tenderness in older adults,
the diagnosis is delayed. The course of acute appendicitis is more virulent in older
adults, so complications can develop sooner and result in increased mortality.
Lifespan considerations:
Pregnant Women - Answer-Pregnant women may develop right lower quadrant,
periumbilical, or right subcostal (under the rib cage) pain due to possible displacement
of the appendix by the distended uterus.
Lifespan considerations:
Children - Answer-Children under the age of 4 typically do not develop appendicitis.
However, appendicitis in young children often progresses to rupture because they
cannot accurately tell their parents how they feel and where it hurts.
Diagnosis: - Answer-· Abdominal ultrasound is the most effective test for diagnosing
acute appendicitis. Other diagnostic tests used to diagnose appendicitis and rule out
other possible conditions include abdominal x-rays, IV pyelogram, urinalysis, and pelvic
examination. In addition, a WBC count with differential is obtained. With appendicitis,
the total WBC count is elevated, with an increased number of immature WBCs (bands,
this is also know as a left shift!)
Pharmacological Therapy:
APPENDICITIS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Prevention: - Answer-Appendicitis cannot be prevented; however, certain dietary habits
may reduce the risk of developing this condition. Eating foods that contain high fiber
content, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, decreases the incidence of appendicitis
Clinical Manifestations: - Answer-· The initial characteristic manifestation of acute
appendicitis is continuous, mild, generalized or upper abdominal pain. Over the next 4
hours, the pain intensifies and localizes in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Pain associated with appendicitis is aggravated by moving, walking, or coughing. On
palpation, localized and rebound tenderness are noted at McBurney point. In addition to
pain, a low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are often present.
Lifespan considerations:
Older adults - Answer-Because of less acute pain and local tenderness in older adults,
the diagnosis is delayed. The course of acute appendicitis is more virulent in older
adults, so complications can develop sooner and result in increased mortality.
Lifespan considerations:
Pregnant Women - Answer-Pregnant women may develop right lower quadrant,
periumbilical, or right subcostal (under the rib cage) pain due to possible displacement
of the appendix by the distended uterus.
Lifespan considerations:
Children - Answer-Children under the age of 4 typically do not develop appendicitis.
However, appendicitis in young children often progresses to rupture because they
cannot accurately tell their parents how they feel and where it hurts.
Diagnosis: - Answer-· Abdominal ultrasound is the most effective test for diagnosing
acute appendicitis. Other diagnostic tests used to diagnose appendicitis and rule out
other possible conditions include abdominal x-rays, IV pyelogram, urinalysis, and pelvic
examination. In addition, a WBC count with differential is obtained. With appendicitis,
the total WBC count is elevated, with an increased number of immature WBCs (bands,
this is also know as a left shift!)
Pharmacological Therapy:
