Word parts
What it means
The appendixuh-PEN-diksA small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine, in the lower right abdomen.Full entry becomes blocked, swollen and infected. Pain often starts around the navel and moves to the right lower abdomen, at McBurney's point, with fever, nausea and loss of appetite. If it bursts (ruptures), infection spreads through the abdomen (peritonitis). Treatment is usually removal of the appendix (appendectomy).
For the nurse
Keep the client NPO before surgery. Do not apply heat to the abdomen or give laxatives or enemas, which can cause it to rupture. Sudden relief of pain can mean the appendix has burst: report it at once.
At a glance
| Spanish | apendicitis |
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Related terms
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
appendix
A small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine, in the lower right abdomen.
rupture
A tear or burst in an organ, vessel, tissue or membrane.
guarding
Tightening of muscles, or protecting a body part with the hands or posture, to avoid pain when it is touched or moved.