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Appendicitis

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Jacques Sheeroh
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7 views9 pages

Appendicitis

Uploaded by

Jacques Sheeroh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Appendicitis

Appendicitis
Pathophysiology
The appendix is a blind pouch located
in the cecum near the ileocecal
junction.
Obstruction of the lumen of the
appendix is the primary cause of
appendicitis.
The obstruction usually is caused by
hardened fecal matter or a foreign
body.
This obstruction causes circulation to
be slowed or interrupted, resulting in
pain and necrosis of the appendix.
The necrotic area can rupture, causing
escape of fecal matter and bacteria into
the peritoneal cavity and resulting in
the complication of peritonitis.
Most cases of appendicitis in childhood
occur in the school-age child.
Clinical manifestations
In young children the symptoms may be
difficult to evaluate.
Symptoms in the older child may be the same
as in an adult: pain and tenderness in the
right lower quadrant of the abdomen, nausea
and vomiting, fever, and constipation.
Sometimes the child presents when the
appendix has already ruptured
The young child has difficulty localizing the
pain, may act restless and irritable, and may
have a slight fever, a flushed face, and a rapid
pulse.
The white blood cells count is elevated.
It may take several hours to rule out other
conditions and make a positive diagnosis.
Medical management
Appendectomy as soon as possible after
diagnosis.
If the appendix has rupture surgery carries an
increased risk but still the option.
Food and fluids withheld before surgery and if
dehydrated IV fluids are administered
Reduction of temperature to below 38.9
degrees centigrade.
Nursing diagnosis
Fear of the child and family caregiver related
to emergency surgery
Acute Pain related to necrosis of appendix and
surgical procedure
Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume related to
decreased intake
Deficient Knowledge of caregiver related to
postoperative and home care needs

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