Appendicitis Nursing Care Plan &
Management
Description
● Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix.
● When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, rupture may occur within a
matter of hours, leading to peritonitis and sepsis.
Risk Factors
● Obstruction by fecalith or foreign bodies, bacteria or toxins.
● Low-fiber diet
● High intake of refined carbohydrates
Signs and Symptoms/ Assessment
, 1. Pain in the periumbilical area that descends to the right lower quadrant.
2. Abdominal pain that is most intense at McBurney’s point
3. Rebound tenderness and abdominal rigidity
4. Low-grade fever
5. Elevated white blood cell count
6. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
7. Client in side-lying position, with abdominal guarding and legs flexed
8. Constipation or diarrhea
Diagnostic Evaluation
● Diagnosis is based on a complete physical examination and laboratory and
radiologic tests.
● Leukocyte count greater than 10,000/mm 3, neutrophil count greater than 75%;
abdominal radiographs, ultrasound studies, and CT scans may reveal right lower
quadrant density or localized distention of the bowel.
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
Primary Preoperative Nursing Diagnosis
● Pain (acute) related to inflammation
Primary Postoperative Nursing Diagnosis
● Risk for infection related to the surgical incision
Other Diagnoses that may occur in Nursing Care Plans For Appendicitis
● Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
● Impaired skin integrity
Management
Description
● Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix.
● When the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, rupture may occur within a
matter of hours, leading to peritonitis and sepsis.
Risk Factors
● Obstruction by fecalith or foreign bodies, bacteria or toxins.
● Low-fiber diet
● High intake of refined carbohydrates
Signs and Symptoms/ Assessment
, 1. Pain in the periumbilical area that descends to the right lower quadrant.
2. Abdominal pain that is most intense at McBurney’s point
3. Rebound tenderness and abdominal rigidity
4. Low-grade fever
5. Elevated white blood cell count
6. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
7. Client in side-lying position, with abdominal guarding and legs flexed
8. Constipation or diarrhea
Diagnostic Evaluation
● Diagnosis is based on a complete physical examination and laboratory and
radiologic tests.
● Leukocyte count greater than 10,000/mm 3, neutrophil count greater than 75%;
abdominal radiographs, ultrasound studies, and CT scans may reveal right lower
quadrant density or localized distention of the bowel.
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
Primary Preoperative Nursing Diagnosis
● Pain (acute) related to inflammation
Primary Postoperative Nursing Diagnosis
● Risk for infection related to the surgical incision
Other Diagnoses that may occur in Nursing Care Plans For Appendicitis
● Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
● Impaired skin integrity
