Nursing Management in Appendicitis

The time period starting right after surgery and lasting until a patient is discharged or fully recovered.

Potential problems that can arise after surgery, such as breathing difficulties, infections, or blood clots.

The ability to breathe normally and get enough oxygen is crucial after surgery. Problems with breathing are a major concern.

Certain individuals are more likely to experience respiratory problems after surgery, including those who received general anesthesia, are elderly, smoke, have lung conditions, are obese, or had surgery on their chest, airways, or abdomen.

Signs indicating low oxygen levels in the body, including increased or decreased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, restlessness, agitation, bluish skin, and difficulty breathing.

Nursing care provided during surgery in the operating room (OR). It encompasses a wide range of activities from patient preparation to supporting the surgical team.

Current trend towards shorter surgical procedures and faster patient recovery. This often leads to a decrease in hospital stays and an increase in outpatient surgeries.

Aseptic technique focuses on preventing contamination by microorganisms during surgery. It includes rigorous handwashing, use of sterile instruments and supplies, and maintaining a sterile field.

The area where sterile instruments and materials are placed during surgery. This field must be kept free of any contamination to prevent infection.

A surgical scrub involves using a surgical hand antiseptic or scrub agent to cleanse the hands and arms. This process removes microorganisms and inhibits their growth.

A procedure where the surgical team counts all instruments and sponges used during surgery before, during, and after the procedure to ensure nothing is left inside the patient.

The role and responsibilities of each member of the surgical team are clearly defined to ensure smooth and efficient operations and prevent any confusion.

The patient is safely transported to the operating room with the assistance of nursing staff who ensure patient safety by preventing falls and monitor lead disconnections.

Sterile attire (gown and gloves) are worn by surgical staff after thorough hand-washing with a scrub agent. This ensures sterility and prevents contamination.

Specific protective equipment (face shields, caps, gloves, aprons, eyewear) are essential for maintaining sterility and preventing contamination during surgical procedures.

Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by alcohol or drug misuse. It can be acute or chronic.

A temporary and reversible condition where a portion of the stomach bulges out, often caused by weakness in the stomach muscles.

A condition where the stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. This is often caused by a weak or malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter.

A common digestive disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, often with bloating and gas.

A type of IBS where the main symptom is constipation, making bowel movements infrequent and difficult.

A type of IBS where the main symptom is diarrhea, leading to frequent and loose stools.

A type of IBS where both constipation and diarrhea symptoms occur, alternating between the two.

A condition where there is inflammation of the small intestine, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch that extends from the colon.

Sharp pain localized in the lower right abdomen, caused by the inflamed appendix, usually accompanied by tenderness.

A diagnostic test used to visualize the abdominal organs, especially for appendicitis, as it can identify inflammation.

Inflammation of the peritoneum, a thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

A surgical procedure to remove the appendix. It can be performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera.

An infection of the urinary tract that is classified based on its location, complexity, and history.

Commonly caused by E. coli, though other bacteria, fungi, and parasites can also be responsible. These infections can be complicated by factors such as urological procedures, catheterization, or compromised immune systems.

These mechanisms work to prevent UTIs. They include the physical barriers of the urinary tract (like the urethra) and the natural defenses of the body's immune system.

A type of UTI affecting the bladder and urethra. Characterized by symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and discomfort in the pelvic area.

A type of UTI affecting the kidneys. Presents with severe symptoms like flank pain, chills, and fever. It can be a serious infection.

Commonly include dysuria (painful urination), frequent urination, urgency to urinate, and pelvic discomfort. Hematuria (blood in urine) can also be present.

These include flank pain (pain in the side of the body), chills, and fever. These symptoms indicate the infection has reached the kidneys.

Dipstick urinalysis, microscopic urinalysis, and urine culture are common methods used to diagnose UTIs. Voided midstream urine is the preferred sample for culture, but catheterization and needle aspiration may be necessary in certain cases.

Inflammation of the pancreas, ranging from mild edema to severe hemorrhagic necrosis.

Pancreatic enzymes leaking into pancreatic tissue, causing autodigestion.

The most common cause of acute pancreatitis in Canada is gallstones and alcohol use disorder. High serum triglycerides can also contribute.

Severe, sudden, deep, piercing, and continuous abdominal pain. Other symptoms: flushing, cyanosis, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, hypotension, tachycardia, jaundice, decreased/absent bowel sounds, abdominal distention, lung crackles.

Life-threatening complications of acute pancreatitis include shock, sepsis, permanent pancreatic dysfunction, pseudocyst and abscess formation, peritonitis, pulmonary and cardiovascular complications.

Serum amylase and lipase are specific indicators of pancreatitis. Other tests include liver enzymes, triglycerides, glucose, bilirubin, abdominal ultrasound, radiograph, and CT scan.

The goals of management include relieving pain, preventing shock, reducing pancreatic secretions, controlling fluid/electrolyte imbalances, preventing infection, and eliminating the precipitating cause.

Conservative therapy for acute pancreatitis includes supportive care, IV fluids, pain management, metabolic complications management, fluid/electrolyte balance management, NPO, NG suction, infection prevention and treatment.

Interventional therapy for acute pancreatitis involves surgical interventions.

No medications cure acute pancreatitis, but they can provide symptom support.

Nutritional therapy for acute pancreatitis involves NPO initially. Enteral feeds may be needed later. When food is reintroduced, small, frequent meals, a high carbohydrate diet, and alcohol abstinence are recommended. Supplemental fat-soluble vitamins may be required.

Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with cholelithiasis.

Removal of the gallbladder, a common surgical procedure.