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)Â 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. |
| Â 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. |
See Also
You may also like the following posts and care plans:
- Nursing Care Plan: The Ultimate Guide and Database – the ultimate database of nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions! Get the complete list!
- Nursing Diagnosis: The Complete Guide and List – archive of different nursing diagnoses with their definition, related factors, goals and nursing interventions with rationale.
Gastrointestinal Care Plans
Care plans covering the disorders of the gastrointestinal and digestive system:
- Appendectomy | 4 Care Plans
- Cholecystectomy | 12Â Care Plans
- Cholecystitis and Cholelithiasis | 4 Care Plans
- Gastroenteritis | 4Â Care Plans
- Hemorrhoids | 3 Care Plans
- Hepatitis | 7 Care Plans
- Ileostomy & Colostomy |Â 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.
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I appreciate this! Thanks, Nurseslabs!