Acute Appendicitis - What it is Show
Appendix This is general information and advice regarding your child's hospital stay and follow-up care. In specific cases, you may receive different / additional instructions from your doctor. You are advised to follow any instructions given to you by your doctor or nurse. Please seek clarification when in doubt. What Is An Appendix? The appendix is a 4- to 10-cm long, finger-like structure arising from the caecum which is the first part of the large intestine. The lining of the appendix contains cells which help fight infection. The appendix is normally found in the right lower part of the abdomen and can be removed without detrimental effect.
 What Is Appendicitis ?Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix. In many cases, the cause of the infection is unknown. Acute Appendicitis - SymptomsThe most common symptoms of appendicitis are:
If the infection of the appendix remains untreated, the appendix may perforate. This may lead to inflammation throughout the abdomen and blood infection, both of which may endanger the child's life. Frequency Acute appendicitis can occur in all age groups. It is estimated that it will eventually affect 5 - 7% of the general population. The likelihood of perforation in children is much higher than in adults. Acute Appendicitis - How to prevent?Acute Appendicitis - Causes and Risk FactorsAcute Appendicitis - DiagnosisWhen the child is brought to the hospital, the doctor will do a complete physical examination on the child. Blood may be taken for investigation. Occasionally, an ultrasound or a computerised tomography scan (CT scan) may be done to help with the diagnosis, but usually a physical examination is enough. Your child will not be allowed to eat or drink for a few hours. This is to prepare for surgery. Once your child has been diagnosed to have acute appendicitis, an urgent operation will be required. Acute Appendicitis - TreatmentsThis operation is done either through a small incision in the right lower abdomen (open appendicectomy) or through three small puncture wounds (laparoscopic surgery). The surgeon will discuss with you the options available. Acute Appendicitis - Preparing for surgeryBefore SurgeryThe surgeon will examine your child and explain the operation. Your child will need to have an empty stomach before the surgery can be done. No food or drinks are allowed for at least 6 hours before surgery as he may vomit during induction of anaesthesia. A drip is inserted for medications and fluids to prevent dehydration. The doctors and nurses will prepare your child for the surgery. The child will be brought on a trolley to the Operating Theatre. A parent/guardian is encouraged to accompany the child to the Operating Theatre. An anaesthetist will give the child medication to ensure he sleeps throughout the operation. Acute Appendicitis - Post-surgery careAfter SurgeryOnce the surgery is completed, your child will be brought back to the ward. After a day or 2, he will be started on clear liquids and advanced to a regular diet as tolerated. Sitting up, deep breathing and walking are very important exercises after surgery. This may be difficult at first and pain medication is available. If the appendix had perforated, your child may need to have antibiotics for several more days. You may find that the doctors have inserted tubes into the stomach (through a nostril to empty the stomach), the bladder (to help your child to pass urine), and sometimes a tube (or surgical drain) in the abdomen to let out the infected material. All these are temporary and will be removed as soon as your child is better. If he experiences very severe pain in the abdomen, let the doctors and nurses know. Pain medication is available, and is usually given via a continuous drip after operation. Going HomeThe recovery from surgery is usually fast and the child is often home in 2 - 3 days after surgery. If the appendix had perforated, he may need to stay longer e.g. 7 - 10 days for further treatment. Once the doctor has confirmed that your child can go home, you will receive the following:
Important Information
Have a pleasant stay in Hospital! Acute Appendicitis - Other InformationWhat are the nursing interventions for appendicitis?Nursing interventions related to the appendicitis patient include:. Assessing and relieving pain through medication administration as well as nonpharmacologic interventions.. IMPORTANT: DO NOT APPLY HEAT TO THE APPENDICITIS PATIENT'S ABDOMEN AS THIS COULD LEAD TO RUPTURE.. Prevent fluid volume deficit. ... . Prevent infection.. What is the most effective treatment for appendicitis?Appendectomy via open laparotomy or laparoscopy is the standard treatment for acute appendicitis. However, intravenous antibiotics may be considered first-line therapy in selected patients.
What are the treatment for appendicitis?If you have appendicitis, your appendix will usually need to be removed as soon as possible. This operation is known as an appendicectomy or appendectomy. Surgery is often also recommended if there's a chance you have appendicitis but it's not been possible to make a clear diagnosis.
What are nursing assessments and interventions for an appendectomy?Desired Outcomes. |
