Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix ( a thumb size pouch structure located at the end of ceacum)

1. APPENDICITIS
By
Student Nurse
Musa Muhammad Awal
Niger State School Of Nursing
And Midwifery Kontagora

2. Introduction:-
• Definitions of Appendicitis:-
- It is a common medical condition that occurs
when the appendix becomes inflamed and
swollen.
- It is a condition in which the appendix
becomes inflamed and filled with pus, causing
pain.
- Inflammation of the appendix is regards to as
Appendicitis.

3. ANATOMY OF THE APPENDIX
- The appendix is a small,
finger-shaped organ/pouch
located in the lower right
side of the abdomen.
- It is attached to the large
intestine and has no known
function to the human body.
- It is located in the lower
right quadrant or the right
iliac region of the abdominal
division.

5. Causes Of Appendicitis
- Obstruction of the appendix
either by:-
>Fiscal Matter
>foreign object
>Tumor
- Infection of the appendix
TYPES OF APPENDICITIS
->Acute:- which comes with
severe abdominal pain and
need immediate medical
attention
->Chronic:- it is mild and can
come and go

6. Sign And Symptoms Of Appendicitis
> The sign and symptoms of appendicitis can vary
differently in individuals, but generally it includes:-
- Pain in the lower right abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Difficulty in passing out gas
> Note:- the pain may initially be vague and diffuse; but
typically become more localized and severe over time.

7. Pathophysiology of
Appendicitis
- Due to obstruction of the appendix by
fiscal matter, foreign bodies or tumor
can traps bacteria inside which lead to
infection and inflammation.
- The inflamed and pus filled appendix
puts pressure on nearby tissues and
organs and start causing pain.
- Too much pressure can rupture the
appendix; allowing it to spills its
content into the abdominal cavity,
causing severe pain and fever.
- When not taken care of its can leads
to complications like:-
 Peritonitis
 Abscess formation
 Sepsis
 Perforation
 Bowel obstruction

8. Diagnosis of Appendicitis
- Physical examination and
medical history
- Laboratory investigation of
complete blood count(CBC)
to check elevated white
blood cells which indicate
infection
- Ultrasound scan(USS) or
computed tomography(CT)
scan to visualize the
appendix and surrounding
tissues
- Urine tests to rule out other
condition

9. Management of Appendicitis
Medical and Pharmacological management of
appendicitis
- The use of antibiotics and analgesics can
relieve the pain
. Antibiotics:- Metronidazole, Ceftrazone,
Amoxicillin e.t.c
. Analgesics:- Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen e.t.c
- It is also essential patient stays at rest and
hydrated

10. Surgical Management of
Appendicitis
- The primary treatment for
appendicitis is surgical
removal of the inflamed or
infected appendix.
- This is typically done as
soon as possible to prevent
the risk of rupture that leads
to complication.
- The surgery done for
appendicitis is called
Appendectomy
Management of Appendicitis

11. Nursing responsibilities in appendicitis
- Early recognition of appendicitis symptoms
- Assessing and monitoring vital signs( temperature,
heart rate, blood pressure)
- Pain assessment and management
- Administering prescribed medication e.g antibiotics
and analgesics
- Providing emotional supports for patient and
families
- Educating patient on the importance of rest and
proper nutrition
- In the case of surgery provide pre, intra and post-
operative care to the patient.
Management of Appendicitis

12.  Nursing pre-operative care of appendicitis
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Obtain signature of informed consent
- Prepare the patient for surgery
 Nursing intra-operative care of appendicitis
- Assisting in the insertion of intravenous(IV) line
- Assisting in the procedure to make sure it goes smooth and safe
 Nursing post-operative care of appendicitis
- Monitoring vital signs and assessing for signs of infection or
complication
- Assisting with pain management and wound care
- Encouraging ambulation and deep breathing exercise to prevent
complication
- Providing education on diet, activity restrictions and medication
management

13. Conclusion:-
- Appendicitis is a common medical condition that can
be effectively managed with surgery
- Surgery is the primary treatment for appendicitis and
should be done as soon as possible to avoid
complications
- Antibiotics and analgesics are used to reduce the pain
but doesn`t treat the condition
- Nurses responsibilities in managing appendicitis is
crucial in identification, proper treatment and
optimal recovery of the patient
- Seek prompt medical attention if you perceived any
symptoms of appendicitis