Nursing Interventions: Appendicitis

1. Make sure the patient with suspected or unknown appendicitis receives nothing by mouth until surgery is performed.
2. Administer I.V. fluids to prevent dehydration.
3. Never administer cathartics or enemas because they may rupture the appendix.
4. Don’t administer analgesics until the diagnosis is confirmed because they mask symptoms. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, analgesics maybe given.
5. Place the patient in fowler’s position to reduce pain. Never apply heat to the right lower abdomen; this may cause the appendix to rupture.
6. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, prepare the patient for surgery.
7. If peritonitis occurs, nasogastric drainage may be necessary to decompress the stomach and reduce nausea and vomiting.
8. Monitor the patient’s vital signs.
9. Assess intake and output for signs of hydration, such as hypotension or fluid imbalance.
10. Evaluate the severity and location of abdominal pain. Notify doctor immediately if pain suddenly ceases.
11. Observe the patient for complications, such as peritonitis, appendiceal abscess, and pyelophlebitis.