BY

DR. REBECCA EPHRAIM

Hernia
Is the protrusion of a viscus from its normal cavity
through an abnormal opening or weakened area
Occurs anywhere but most often in the abdominal
cavity
Types of hernia’s
Reducible Irreducible
Can be manually placed back Cannot be placed back into
into the abdominal cavity the adominal cavity
Types of hernial
Inguinal
Occurs when there is
weakness in the abdominal
wall where the spermatic
cord in men and round
ligament in women emerge
Types of hernias
Femoral
Protrusion through the
femoral ring: more common
in females
Types of Hernia’s
incisional
Occurs at the site of a
previous surgical incision as
a result of inadequate healing
postoperatively
Types of Hernia’s
Umbilical
Most commonly found in
children
Types of Hernia’s
Strangulated
Irreducible, with obstruction
to intestinal flow and blood
supply
Medical management of hernia
Manual reduction, use of a truss (firm support)
Bowel surgery if strangulated
Herniorrhaphy: surgical repair of the hernia by
suturing the defect
Assessment of patient with hernia
vomiting, protrusion of involved area (more obvious
after coughing), and discomfort at site or protrusion
Crampy abdominal pain and abdominal distention (if
strangulated with a bowel obstruction)
Nursing interventions for patient
with hernia
Observe client for complications such as
strangulation
Prepare client for herniorrhapy, provide routine
preop care
Nursing care post op care hernia
Assess for possible distended bladder, particularly
with inguinal hernia repair
Discourage coughing, but deep breathing and turning
should be done
Assist to splint incision when coughing or sneezing
Apply ice bags to scrotal area (if inguinal repair) to
decrease edema
Scrotal (athletic) support may be ordered in some
cases
Hernia discharge teaching
Need to avoid strenuous physical activities (heavy
lifting, pulling, pushing) for at least 6 weeks
Need to report any difficulty with urination