PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF APPENDICITIS

Episodes of Constipation Occlusion of fecalith on the appendix

Decreased flow or drainage of mucosal secretions

Increase Intraluminal pressure in the appendix

Vasocongestion

Decreased blood supply in the appendix

Decreased O2 supply in the appendix Cell death

Disruption of cell membrane of appendix

Inflammatory process

Release of chemical mediators Histamine, prostaglandin, leukotrienes, bradykinin Swelling on the appendix Prostaglandin, bradykinin Pain in the RLQ of the abdomen Acute pain

Activation of vomiting center in the medulla

Neutrophils to area Pus formation (phagocytized bacteria and dead cells) Risk for infection

APPENDICITIS

Stimulation of vagus nerve Nausea and Vomiting Risk for deficient fluid volume

Suppression of sympathetic G.I function Anorexia

Risk for imbalance nutrition less than body requirement