Case Study Perforated Appendicitis

The occurrence of appendicitis is a common yet serious clinical problem and often leads to surgery, especially in the case of perforated appendicitis. Appendicitis is the due to the human appendix common tendency to become inflamed, causing excruciating pain. This essay will refer to the condition presented in the provided case study, perforated appendicitis. The essay will explore the pathogenesis and clinical symptoms in that may manifest in this appendicitis case. More specifically the cellular levels of infection and acute inflammation process, as well as the possibility of post-surgery chronic inflammation and/or possible complications.

Briefly mentioned above appendicitis is a serious condition requiring quick action. Located in the
Whilst appendicitis is serious and can lead to a worsening condition, there are many other digestive dysfunctions that may cause similar pain. To recognise the issue the clinical symptoms must be observed first. Typical signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and leucocytosis. In the case study, the male had presented a temperature of 38.7 C, almost 2 degrees higher than normal, a largely increased heart rate and well as very high white blood cell (WBC) production. Also known as phagocytes, WBC’s “have the ability to engulf and ingest microorganisms which invade the body and cause disease” (McGuinness, 2009, pg.144). The laboratory evaluation provides evidence of WBC, Lymphocytes and granulocytes of being well above the average levels. After presenting fever, increased heart rate and WBC formation, it becomes evident that the patient’s body is indicating signs of infection and inflammation. Furthermore, the case mentions the increase in bodily waste functions, also indicating the need to excrete toxins. While clinical symptoms prove infection, the cause may still be miss-diagnosed, prompting further investigation leading to signs the patient presents. Helpful with diagnosis, the physician preforms a ‘rebound tenderness’ examination. According to Neighbour and Tane hill-Jones, this examination is when pressure is applied to the appendix and
This may be caused by hypoxemia, drugs or disorders. Stated in the case, purulent fluid drainage took place after the appendectomy. While the fascia was closed, the skin was left open to undergo second intention healing. While this process is similar to the process listed above it may take an extended amount of time to heal. One of the largest impediments to wound healing is the levels of debris, bacteria, dead tissue and dead leukocytes found within the wound. “It can take weeks to months to phagocyse the debris” (Neighbours & Tannehill-Jones, 2015). However, the case states a strictly prescribed dosage of antibiotics, reducing the risk of infection and in a case like perforation prevents the strong likeliness of obtaining gangrene. Other forms of complicated wound healing may also involve poor or excessive scar formation. A scar that does not have adequate strength can lead to wound dehiscence, better known as the separation of tissue margins. Contradictory, an excessive formation may result in a hard, raised scar also known as a keloid scar. While these scars are slightly they are harmless (Neighbours & Tannehill-Jones,