7. Appendicitis

what is appendicitis?

acute inflammation of the appendix. occurs when it gets blocked, often by stool, and swells with bacteria

• most common cause of emergent abdominal surgery in children

appendicitis can lead to _____

peritonitis

how can appendicitis lead to peritonitis?

when the appendix ruptures, infectious materials (stool, bacteria, pus) leak into the abdominal cavity (peritoneum)

what imaging test is used to diagnose appendicitis?

CT scan

what lab findings occur with appendicitis?

elevated WBC and CRP

what pain pattern is characteristic of appendicitis? *

vague abdominal pain that localizes to the RLQ (mcburney’s point)

what does sudden pain relief in a child with appendicitis suggest? *

perforation (rupture)

• notify the HCP immediately !!!!

what finding may indicate peritonitis in a child with appendicitis? *

abdominal distention

what other symptoms occur with appendicitis?

• nausea and vomiting

• low-grade fever

• high fever with perforation

how is appendicitis treated?

• emergency surgery for both acute and perforated appendicitis

• teach the child and caregivers about pre-op and post-op care

what additional treatment may be needed for perforated appendicitis?

7–14 days of IV antibiotics