Question

Using the algorithm on p. 858 of your Burns text, answer the following question: Seven-year-old Timothy presents with his parents for acute abdominal pain. There is no evidence of trauma, but he is positive for fever of 102 F. Pick one of the conditions as your diagnosis. Tell how you arrived at it and differentiated it from the others. What is your treatment?

Answer 1

APPENDICITIS

• Appendicitis is a condition in which appendix become inflamed and filled with pus which causes pain.

Appendix is a pouch like structure attatched at the start of the large intestine that has no known purpose.

Appendicitis usually begins with fever and pain near the belly button and then moves towards the lower right side of the abdomen.

• Common Symptoms of Appendicitis are :  

1. Acute Abdominal pain
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. loss of appetite
5. constipation or diarrhea
6. Fever (temperature between 99 degree to 102 degree Fahrenheit
7. Stomach swelling

When the Appendix gets blocked , too much bacteria can grow and causes an infection. Its usually causes a hype in body temperature . So if the child have acute abdominal pain and fever without no any other external causes have diagnosed as Appendicitis.

• How to Differenciate

1. In case of Gastroenteritis vomiting and diarrhea usually occur before the onset of abdominal pain.
2. in case of food poisoning also the first signs are diarrhea , vomiting , bloating and gas  

• Treatment (Surgery)

1. if an infected appendicitis isnt removed , it may be burst about 48 to 72 hrs after the first symptom start. This can spread the bacteria in side the body .
2. So after blood test , urine test , x ray and ultra sonography the surgeon will operate to take out the infected appendix. Surgery is called as Appendectomy. surgeon use a small device called laparoscope to remove the appendix through a small cut on the belly .
3. The care team may give intravenous fluids and antibiotics before and after surgery. this helps to prevent problems such as infection.
4. kid get pain medication if they needed.
5. Child who get this surgery usually stay in hospital for one day.