APPENDICITIS - CASE 124 EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Post-op care of appendicitis - answer- position high fowlers to reduce tension on
incision
- manage pain - opioids
- fluids, food as tolerated
Discharge:
- same day if no complication
- follow-up 5-7 days for suture removal
- incision care guidelines reviewed
- no heaving lifting, but can resume withing 2-4 weeks
Post-op care for appendicitis if peritonitis possible - answer-- drain left in place
- hospitalized for several days to monitor for obstruction, hemorrhage, wbc, vital signs
- discharge: home care, dressing changes, irrigation
Laparoscopic vs open appendectomy - answer-laparoscopic: 1-3 smalls incisions are
made in the abdomen
- co2 is used to inflate abd
- surgical instruments inserted in other incisions to remove appendix
- incisions are covered using steri-stripes, staples, sutures
Open: larger incision in r lower quadrant
- appendix is removed from the intestine
- incision closer with staples and covered with steristrips
Non-surgical tx of appendicitis - answer-- if only some signs, abx option
- pt monitored for worsening/recurrence
- recurrence is more likely to occur
Which of the following are common clinical manifestations of appendicitis? Select all
that apply.
A. Diarrhea
B. Vomiting
C. Left lower quadrant abdominal pain
D. Constipation
E. Arthralgia
F. Diffuse rash
G. Fever - answer-a, b, d, g
Note whether the orders are appropriate or inappropriate for appendicitis
Emergency department orders:
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Post-op care of appendicitis - answer- position high fowlers to reduce tension on
incision
- manage pain - opioids
- fluids, food as tolerated
Discharge:
- same day if no complication
- follow-up 5-7 days for suture removal
- incision care guidelines reviewed
- no heaving lifting, but can resume withing 2-4 weeks
Post-op care for appendicitis if peritonitis possible - answer-- drain left in place
- hospitalized for several days to monitor for obstruction, hemorrhage, wbc, vital signs
- discharge: home care, dressing changes, irrigation
Laparoscopic vs open appendectomy - answer-laparoscopic: 1-3 smalls incisions are
made in the abdomen
- co2 is used to inflate abd
- surgical instruments inserted in other incisions to remove appendix
- incisions are covered using steri-stripes, staples, sutures
Open: larger incision in r lower quadrant
- appendix is removed from the intestine
- incision closer with staples and covered with steristrips
Non-surgical tx of appendicitis - answer-- if only some signs, abx option
- pt monitored for worsening/recurrence
- recurrence is more likely to occur
Which of the following are common clinical manifestations of appendicitis? Select all
that apply.
A. Diarrhea
B. Vomiting
C. Left lower quadrant abdominal pain
D. Constipation
E. Arthralgia
F. Diffuse rash
G. Fever - answer-a, b, d, g
Note whether the orders are appropriate or inappropriate for appendicitis
Emergency department orders:
