APPENDICITIS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

APPENDICITIS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
What are some conditions that can be confused with appendicitis in young women? -
Answer--mittelschmerz (Ovulation pain)
-Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy
-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

What are some complications of Acute Appendicitis? - Answer--Perforation
-Peritonitis
-Abscess
-Chronic Appendicitis

Patient has appendicitis and waiting for surgery, what should be withheld? - Answer-
Food & Liquids (NPO til surgery)
Heat (can cause rupture)
Enima & Laxative

Patient has an appendicitis and is waiting for surgery, what can or should be given or
done to help? - Answer--IV Fluids
-Antibiotics
-Low grade pain meds (OxyContin & Morphine)
-Fetal Position
-Deep Breathing
-Ice

After surgery for appendicitis, what should be done by the nurse? - Answer--Give meds
(pain & antibiotics)
-If coughing use a pillow to cover incision site
-Encourage patient to cough, turn, breathe deeply, use incentive spirometry
-IV fluids, Water in small amounts
-Monitor: vitals, nausea, I&O, Nasogastric drainage, wound, signs of infection, bowl
sounds (Gas & poop)

Why should a nurse wait to give food & liquids post surgery, until after measuring bowel
sounds and monitoring if they have passed gas or pooped? - Answer-To avoid chance
of bowel obstruction, especially obstruction of the small intestine.

What are symptoms for children with appendicitis? - Answer--Listlessness
-Inconsolability
-Vomiting
-Distended Abdomen