Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. An inflamed appendix may be removed using a laparoscopic approach with laser. However, the presence of multiple adhesions, retroperitoneal positioning of the appendix, or the likelihood of rupture necessitates an open (traditional) procedure.
Studies indicate that laparoscopic appendectomy results in significantly less postoperative pain, earlier resumption of solid foods, a shorter hospital stay, lower wound infection rate, and a faster return to normal activities than open appendectomy.
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing care planning and management for patients who underwent appendectomy includes: preventing complications, promoting comfort, and providing information.
Here are four (4) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis for patients who underwent appendectomy:
Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis
May be related to
- Distension of intestinal tissues by inflammation
- Presence of surgical incision
Possibly evidenced by
- Reports of pain
- Facial grimacing, muscle guarding; distraction behaviors
- Expressive behavior (restlessness, moaning, crying, vigilance, irritability, sighing)
- Autonomic responses
Desired Outcomes
- Report pain is relieved/controlled.
- Appear relaxed, able to sleep/rest appropriately.
- Demonstrate use of relaxation skills and diversional activities, as indicates, for individual situation.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Assess pain, noting location, characteristics, severity (0–10 scale). Investigate and report changes in pain as appropriate. | Useful in monitoring effectiveness of medication, progression of healing. Changes in characteristics of pain may indicate developing abscess or peritonitis, requiring prompt medical evaluation and intervention. |
| Provide accurate, honest information to patient and SO. | Being informed about progress of situation provides emotional support, helping to decrease anxiety |
| Keep at rest in semi-Fowler’s position. | To lessen the pain. Gravity localizes inflammatory exudate into lower abdomen or pelvis, relieving abdominal tension, which is accentuated by supine position. |
| Encourage early ambulation. | Promotes normalization of organ function (stimulates peristalsis and passing of flatus, reducing abdominal discomfort). |
| Provide diversional activities | Refocuses attention, promotes relaxation, and may enhance coping abilities. |
| Keep NPO and maintain NG suction initially. | Decreases discomfort of early intestinal peristalsis, gastric irritation and vomiting. |
| Administer analgesics as indicated. | Relief of pain facilitates cooperation with other therapeutic interventions (ambulation, pulmonary toilet). |
| Place ice bag on abdomen periodically during initial 24–48 hr, as appropriate. | Soothes and relieves pain through desensitization of nerve endings. Note: Do not use heat, because it may cause tissue congestion. |
| Never apply heat to the right lower abdomen. | This may cause the appendix to rupture. |
| Watch closely for possible surgical complications. | Continuing pain and fever may signal an abscess. |
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
Disclosure: Included below are affiliate links from Amazon at no additional cost from you. We may earn a small commission from your purchase. For more information, check out our privacy policy.
- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023 (12th Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I® Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database MUST READ!
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
More nursing care plans related to gastrointestinal disorders:
- Appendectomy | 4 Care Plans
- Cholecystectomy | 12 Care Plans
- Cholecystitis and Cholelithiasis | 4 Care Plans
- Gastroenteritis | 4 Care Plans
- Hemorrhoids | 3 Care Plans
- Hepatitis | 7 Care Plans
- Ileostomy & Colostomy | 10 Care Plans
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease | 7 Care Plans
- Intussusception | 3 Care Plans
- Liver Cirrhosis | 8 Care Plans
- Pancreatitis | 8+ Care Plans
- Peritonitis | 6 Care Plans
- Peptic Ulcer Disease | 5 Care Plans
- Subtotal Gastrectomy | 2 Care Plans
wowwwww it is really helpful i love this sit
hi can u place/ put ur references. thank you more power, God bless
This site is prayer answered! Thank you!
Bless you and thank you for visiting Nurseslabs! :) Check out our other nursing care plans, too!
I am following this.there are no any class or courses to train for NCELEX in my country. But I trying it via internet.thanks for helping us.
thank you Matt, I am in the same position now, doing nursing care plans is a challenge. thank you for your ability to present it clearly.
are the diagnosis for post operative care or its combined pre and post op. for example interventions of acute pain i read somewhere talking for not to apply hot compress for fear of rupture?
Thank you, Matt.
I adore this thanks alot nurses lab is the best
I appreciate this! Thanks, Nurseslabs!