Acute appendicitis nursing issues

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 25, 2025
00:00
00:00

Patients with acute appendicitis should pay attention to diet control during the shivering phase and should refrain from eating or drinking during the attack phase and preoperative preparations. For those with noticeable abdominal pain, a semi-recumbent position should be adopted to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain. After surgery, it is crucial to closely monitor vital signs, measuring respiration, blood pressure, pulse, etc. On the first day post-surgery, a semi-liquid diet may be chosen, and a normal diet can be resumed on days 3 to 4 post-surgery. It is important to ensure rest, and heavy physical labor should be avoided within two weeks after the surgery.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
51sec home-news-image

Appendicitis complications

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix lumen. If not treated promptly, it can lead to several complications, such as perforation of the appendix. After perforation, pus from the appendix lumen leaks into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, which leads to abdominal pain, tenderness, and rebound pain. Furthermore, if acute appendicitis is not thoroughly treated, it can progress to chronic appendicitis and periappendiceal abscess. A swollen mass can often be felt on the surface of the abdomen in affected patients. Therefore, active treatment for appendicitis is essential. The principle treatment is surgical removal of the appendix. For mild cases of appendicitis, medical conservative observation and treatment can also be chosen.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
47sec home-news-image

Where does appendicitis hurt?

In general clinical practice, the pain associated with appendicitis mostly occurs in the lower right abdomen. Some patients experience very typical migratory right lower abdominal pain which usually starts in the upper abdomen, gradually moves around the navel, and finally localizes in the lower right abdomen. Direct pain in the lower right abdomen could also be indicative of appendicitis. In rare cases, if there is a reversal of organs or an abnormal position of the appendix, pain may occur in the upper right abdomen or lower abdomen as well. For pregnant women, the appendix may be positioned higher and could cause pain under the rib cage. Therefore, the diagnosis of appendicitis should be based on the specific condition of the patient and related diagnostic tests.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
38sec home-news-image

How to relieve appendicitis pain

Pain relief for appendicitis can be achieved using medications, such as antispasmodics and sedatives. If medication control is ineffective, surgery to remove the appendix should be considered, as this can address the root cause of abdominal pain. Moreover, for acute appendicitis, surgical treatment is relatively definitive. While medications can manage symptoms temporarily, appendicitis often recurs after some time. Laparoscopic appendix removal is an option that causes less harm to the patient and typically allows for a quicker postoperative recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

Does appendicitis surgery require an incision?

Appendicitis surgery can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive treatment. Open surgery involves a traditional incision at McBurney's point to remove the appendix, which is now rarely used, predominantly replaced by minimally invasive treatment under laparoscopy. The procedure is the same for both methods, involving ligation of the appendicular artery followed by cutting the appendix at its base and suturing the stump. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include less intraoperative bleeding, faster postoperative recovery, and less physical trauma. Patients can choose between open surgery or minimally invasive treatment based on their personal circumstances and financial conditions.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
47sec home-news-image

What tests are done for appendicitis?

Appendicitis examination primarily involves a physical examination. The patient lies flat with their legs bent, and the doctor stands on the patient's right side. The patient exposes their abdomen, and the doctor places their right palm flat in the middle of the abdomen, then smoothly performs a clockwise palpation, pressing the abdomen to check for rebound tenderness, especially at McBurney's point. If there is significant tenderness and rebound pain at McBurney's point, along with symptoms of fever and nausea, appendicitis is generally considered. An ultrasound can also be used as an auxiliary examination, where swelling of the appendix can be observed. Based on the physical examination and auxiliary tests, a preliminary diagnosis of appendicitis can be made.