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8 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is appendicitis?
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inflammation of the appendix
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What causes appendicitis?
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most commonly due to obstruction or mucosal ulcerations.
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If continued, what can obstruction lead to?
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infection, thrombosis, necrosis and perforation.
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Signs and symptoms of appendicitis
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pain on walking, jumping: anorexia, nausea, nonbilious vomiting; low grade temp (higher with perforation), flushed face; lies on side with hips flexed; wbc (10-15 thou) higher with perforation, ileus in RLQ. Abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness.
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Pre op care. How to avoid rupture
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no laxatives, enemas or heat application. No unnecessary movements
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When to give meds with suspected appendicitis?
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Meds not given until dx confirmed and ready for surgery.
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Most common and most dangerous complication of appendicitis?
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Rupture. Contents spill into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis.
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Post op care, priority needs
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oxygen (respiratory, hemorrhage), fluid and electrolyte balance, nutrition (diet as tolerated)
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