What it means
A narrow tube, closed at one end, that hangs from the start of the colon. When it becomes blocked and infected (appendicitis), pain often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side, with nausea, loss of appetite and fever. An infected appendix can burst and spread infection through the abdomen, so it is usually removed by surgery (appendectomy).
For the nurse
In a client with possible appendicitis, do not put heat on the abdomen or give laxatives or enemas, which can make it burst. Report pain that suddenly goes away, then gets worse and spreads, since it can mean the appendix has burst.
At a glance
| Spanish | apéndice |
|---|---|
| Also written | vermiform appendix |
Related terms
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
rectum
The last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.