PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF APPENDICITIS

Episodes of Constipation

Low Fiber Diet

Obstruction of the Appendix by Fecalith

Decreased flow/drainage of mucosal secretions

Increased intraluminal pressure in the appendix

Distention of Appendix

Vasocongestion

Decreased blood supply in the appendix

Decreased O2 supply in the appendix

Appendix starts to be necrotic; Bacteria invade the appendix

Disruption of cell membrane of Appendix

Inflammatory process

Release of chemical mediators

Activation of the vomiting center in the medulla

Neutrophils to area

Histamine, Prostaglandin, Leukotrienes, Bradykinin

Stimulation of Vagus Nerve

Suppression of Sympathetic GI function

Pus formation
(phagocytised bacteria

and dead cells) Risk for Infection (if appendix ruptures)

Swelling of Appendix

Prostaglandin, Bradykinin Pain in the RLQ of abdomen Acute pain Interleukin 1 Increased WBC

Nausea & Vomiting Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume

Anorexia Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition less than body requirements

Inflammation of Appendix (Appendicitis) Appendectomy Tissue Trauma

Open Wound Impaired Tissue Risk for Integrity Infection

Disrution of Cell Membrane Starts of Inflammatory process

Nociceptors on the dermis Send impulse to CNS

Release of Prostaglandin/Bradykinin

Pain on surgical site Activity Intolerance