Unveiling appendicitis

The most common reason for performing abdominal surgery is appendicitis, which affects up to 12% of the population (Lemone & Burke, 2000). Appendicitis is acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix that is typically manifested by localised pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (Holmes, 2001; Lemone & Burke, 2000; McCance & Huether, 2002; Wagner, McKinney & Carpenter, 1996). Abdominal pain is a very common complaint. However, pain in the lower right quadrant cannot be used as the gold standard in a nursing assessment as an indication of appendicitis. Approximately one third of patients with appendicitis will have pain that is spread across the abdomen similar to gastritis (Mattice, 1999). Therefore a more in depth nursing assessment is required. This paper looks at accurately assessing the other signs and symptoms of appendicitis. These may include changes in vital signs, behaviour and body positioning and a history of anorexia, nausea and vomiting. Unveiling appendicitis requires the performance of an accurate and thorough abdominal pain assessment. This competent assessment will assist in preventing complications such as perforation and peritonitis and ensure a better patient outcome (Wagner, et al., 1996; Wright, 1997).