Appendicitis

The appendix is a small, finger-like appendage attached to the cecum just below the
ileocecal valve. Because it empties into the colon inefficiently and its lumen is small, it is
prone to becoming obstructed and is vulnerable to infection (appendicitis). The
obstructed appendix becomes inflamed and edematous and eventually fills with pus. It is
the most common cause of acute inflammation in the right lower quadrant of the
abdominal cavity and the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery. Males
are affected more than females, teenagers more frequently than adults; the highest
incidence is in those between the ages of 10 and 30 years.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
· Lower right quadrant pain usually accompanied by low-grade fever, nausea, and
sometimes vomiting.
· At McBurney’s point (located halfway between the umbilicus and the anterior spine of
the ilium), local tenderness with pressure and some rigidity of the lower portion of the
right rectus muscle.
· Rebound tenderness may be present; location of appendix dictates amount of tenderness,
muscle spasm, and occurrence of constipation or diarrhea.
· Rovsing’s sign (elicited by palpating left lower quadrant, which paradoxically causes
pain in right lower quadrant).
· If appendix ruptures, pain becomes more diffuse; abdominal distention develops from
paralytic ileus, and condition worsens.

ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD

· Diagnosis is based on a complete physical examination and laboratory and radiologic
tests.
· Leukocyte count greater than 10,000/mm3; neutrophil count greater than 75%;
abdominal radiographs, ultrasound studies, and CT scans may reveal right lower quadrant
density or localized distention of the bowel.

GERONTOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS
In the elderly, signs and symptoms of appendicitis may vary greatly. Signs may be very
vague and suggestive of bowel obstruction or another process; some patients may
experience no symptoms until the appendix ruptures. The incidence of perforated
appendix is higher in the elderly because many of theses people do not seek health care as
quickly as younger people.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
· Surgery is indicated if appendicitis is diagnosed and should be performed as soon as
possible to decrease risk of perforation.
· Administer antibiotics and intravenous fluids until surgery is performed.
· Analgesic agents can be given after diagnosis is made.

COMPLICATIONS OF APPENDECTOMY
· The major complication is perforation of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis or
an abscess.
· Perforation generally occurs 24 hours after onset of pain (symptoms include fever
(37.7°C [100°F] or greater), toxic appearance, and continued pain or tenderness).

NURSING MANAGEMENT
· Nursing goals include relieving pain, preventing fluid volume deficit, reducing anxiety,
eliminating infection due to the potential or actual disruption of the gastrointestinal tract,
maintaining skin integrity, and attaining optimum nutrition.
· Preoperatively, prepare patient for surgery, start intravenous line, administer antibiotic,
and insert nasogastric tube (if evidence of paralytic ileus). Do not administer an enema or
laxative (could cause perforation).
· Postoperatively, place patient in semi-Fowler’s position, give narcotic analgesic as
ordered, administer oral fluids when tolerated, give food as desired on day of surgery (if
tolerated). If dehydrated before surgery, administer intravenous fluids.
· If a drain is left in place at the area of the incision, monitor carefully for signs of
intestinal obstruction, secondary hemorrhage, or secondary abscesses (eg. fever,
tachycardia, and increased leukocyte count).

PROMOTING HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED CARE

Teaching Patients Self-Care

· Teach patient and family to care for the wound and perform dressing changes and
irrigations as prescribed.
· Reinforce need for follow-up appointment with surgeon.
· Discuss incision care and activity guidelines.
· Refer for home care nursing as indicated to assist with care and continued monitoring of
complications and wound healing.