APPENDICITIS PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Lab and Diagnostic Procedures - Answer-Main Diagnostic test- clinical exam
Rebound tenderness
Lab tests: WBC increased >10,000
Abdominal X-Ray- identifies inflamed or air filled appendix
CT of abdomen- identifies inflammation
Other Lab & Dx testing - pp. 1137
Treatment of appendicitis: - Answer-Treatment:
Surgical removal of the appendix (can be a laparoscopic or open appendectomy)
Antibiotics are given prior to surgery and are continued until no clinical evidence of
infection is present
Nursing management for appendicitis: - Answer-Nursing Management:
Manage fluid and electrolyte balance
Management of Pain
Management of Infection
Administer anti-emetics for nausea and vomiting
Encourage ambulation to help restore peristalsis and prevent abdominal distention and
gas pain after surgery
Prevention & Patient Teaching: - Answer-Preventing:
Eat fruits and vegetables
Eat whole grains, wheat bread, cucumber, celery, zucchini, and carrots.
Overall, just eat a well-balanced diet.
Encourage ambulation to help restore peristalsis and prevent abdominal distention and
gas pain after surgery
NCLEX Review Question - 1
A patient arrives to the ED with severe abdominal pain and right sided guarding of the
abdominal area, what finding during the physical exam can help verify the diagnosis of
appendicitis? - Answer-A. history of alcohol use
B. rebound tenderness
C. decreased level of consciousness
D. hyperactive bowel sounds
NCLEX Review Question - 2
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Lab and Diagnostic Procedures - Answer-Main Diagnostic test- clinical exam
Rebound tenderness
Lab tests: WBC increased >10,000
Abdominal X-Ray- identifies inflamed or air filled appendix
CT of abdomen- identifies inflammation
Other Lab & Dx testing - pp. 1137
Treatment of appendicitis: - Answer-Treatment:
Surgical removal of the appendix (can be a laparoscopic or open appendectomy)
Antibiotics are given prior to surgery and are continued until no clinical evidence of
infection is present
Nursing management for appendicitis: - Answer-Nursing Management:
Manage fluid and electrolyte balance
Management of Pain
Management of Infection
Administer anti-emetics for nausea and vomiting
Encourage ambulation to help restore peristalsis and prevent abdominal distention and
gas pain after surgery
Prevention & Patient Teaching: - Answer-Preventing:
Eat fruits and vegetables
Eat whole grains, wheat bread, cucumber, celery, zucchini, and carrots.
Overall, just eat a well-balanced diet.
Encourage ambulation to help restore peristalsis and prevent abdominal distention and
gas pain after surgery
NCLEX Review Question - 1
A patient arrives to the ED with severe abdominal pain and right sided guarding of the
abdominal area, what finding during the physical exam can help verify the diagnosis of
appendicitis? - Answer-A. history of alcohol use
B. rebound tenderness
C. decreased level of consciousness
D. hyperactive bowel sounds
NCLEX Review Question - 2
