Pathophysiology

Predisposing:
Gender (Male) *
Age (10-30 years old)
(10-30)*

Precipitating:
Low fiber diet *
Low oral fluid intake(3glasses/day)*
Constipation

Occlusion of fecalith, tumor, parasites

Obstruction of the appendix

LEGEND
*- present in client

Decreased drainage of mucosal secretion

Increased intraluminal pressure

Compression of appendiceal veins

Decreased blood supply in the appendix

Decreased O2 supply in the appendix

Appendiceal wall ischemia

Appendix starts to be
necrotic
Disruption of
cell membrane

Thrombosis of appendicular
artery and veins
Rupture of appendix
Peritonitis

Start of inflammatory
process

Loss of epithelial integrity

Bacterial invasion of
appendicial wall
WBC increased

Start of inflammatory process

Release of chemical
mediators

Activation of vomiting center

In medulla

Histamine, prostaglandin,
leukotrine,bradykinin

Stimulation
of vagus
nerve

Swelling of appendix
RLQ pain
+ rovsing sign*
+ obturator sign*
+ psoas sign*
+ Blumberg sign*
Prostaglandin
fever

Interleukin 1
Increased WBC

Suppression
of
sympathetic
GI function

N/V
anorexia
Redness
Heat
Swelling
Pain
Loss of Fxn