NURS334: ADULT NURSING

APPENDICITIS
 REST AND COMFORT
• Assess level of pain
• Administer prescribed analgesia
• Monitor effects and side effects of analgesia
• Assist into a position of comfort
• Teach splinting techniques
• Utilize non-pharmacological interventions
• Alleviate anxiety
 SAFETY AND SECURITY
• Strict medical asepsis
• Sterile technique when interfering with
dressing and for invasive procedures
• Keep dressing clean and dry
• Administer prescribed antibiotics
• Monitor temperature and WBC
• Note complaints of increase pain at wound
site, redness, swelling or exudation
 FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE
• Administer IV fluid replacement
• Strict input and output monitoring and charting
• Monitor vital signs (P, Bp)
• Observe for changes in mental status
• Monitor skin, lips, MM
• Administer prescribed antiemetic
• Oral fluids when tolerating orally
• Monitor lab values
• Electrolyte replacement prn
 NUTRITION
• Assess nutritional status
• Administer IV fluid replacement
• Administer prescribed antiemetic
• Start on clear fluids and gradually reintroduce
normal diet
• High carbohydrate, high protein diet
• Small frequent meals
 NUTRITION2
• Frequent oral care
• Include patient preference
• Include patient in planning
• Make meals attractive and serve in pleasant
environment
 PSYCHOLOGICAL
• Assess level of anxiety and ability to cope
• Establish and maintain therapeutic
relationship
• Ensure/provide full information
• Provide explanations
• Allow expression of feelings/opinions
• Allow family/SO to visit
• Provide emotional support
 PSYCHOLOGICAL2
• Teach and encourage coping skills/techniques
• Alleviate pain and discomfort
• Administer prescribed sedative
• Teach stress management/reduction skills
• Provide warm drinks/bath