APPENDICITIS MODULE #3 EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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.
Surgery- treatment of choice is an appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix)
Medication therapy- IV fluids (prior to surgery), antibiotics, strong pain relievers.
*It is important if the client is suspected to have appendicitis to keep them NPO and do
not apply heat.*
Nursing DX for appendicitis - Answer-Risk for impaired gas exchange
Risk for deficient fluid volume
Risk for infection
Acute pain
Anxiety
Fear
Implementation - Answer-Promote effective respiratory gas exchange (general
anesthesia from surgery)
Promote fluid volume balance
Prevent infection Provide effective pain management
Promote physiological well-being
Provide effective client teaching
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.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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.
Surgery- treatment of choice is an appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix)
Medication therapy- IV fluids (prior to surgery), antibiotics, strong pain relievers.
*It is important if the client is suspected to have appendicitis to keep them NPO and do
not apply heat.*
Nursing DX for appendicitis - Answer-Risk for impaired gas exchange
Risk for deficient fluid volume
Risk for infection
Acute pain
Anxiety
Fear
Implementation - Answer-Promote effective respiratory gas exchange (general
anesthesia from surgery)
Promote fluid volume balance
Prevent infection Provide effective pain management
Promote physiological well-being
Provide effective client teaching
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.
