Case Study of Anne: Appendicitis

Running head: CASE STUDY OF ANNE: APPENDICITIS
CASE STUDY OF ANNE: APPENDICITIS
Name of the Student:
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1CASE STUDY OF ANNE: APPENDICITIS
The appendix of the human body, is a longitudinal mass of tissue with a blind end,
extending from the cecum, which is of a length of three and a half inches. A situation of
‘Appendicitis’ is considered a case of emergency which calls for an immediate medical and
surgical situation (Bhangu et al., 2015). The following essay outlines an extensive discussion of
the pathophysiology related to appendicitis, citing the example of Anne, a 10 year old girl who
received hospitalization upon severe abdominal pain. The latter sections of the essay sheds light
on the role of the nurse concerned with the delivery of care to the patient as well the concerned
family, the required knowledge of growth and developmental theories, as well an adequate
awareness regarding the implications of hospitalization on the patient.
In the human body, the appendix is situated in the abdomen, near the lower right section.
It emerges from the colon or cecum, and is comprised of tissues of lymphatic origin, which
further aids in enhancement in the body’s immunity. The appendix is scientifically referred to as
‘veriform’, due to its physical appearance resembling that of a worm. Appendicitis is the acute
inflammation, also known as peritonitis, of the inner tissues of the appendix, which commonly
escalates into a situation of emergency, resolved via surgery (Alavarado, 2018). The
pathophysiology of any disease, outlines its treatment. The pathophysiology of appendicitis
involves an interplay of factors leading to its inflammation. Accumulation of mucosal, bacterial,
as well as solid waste, such as stools, in the appendix, causing its blockage of the opening
towards the colon, is the key factor resulting in infection and inflammation of the same. Often
the extensive severity of the accumulation is followed by a rupturing or perforation of the
appendix tissues, as evident in the case study of Anne, further aggravating the requirement of an
emergency surgery (Petroianu & Barroso, 2016). Severe abdominal pain, radiating between the
central and lower abdominal regions, is one of the key signs of symptoms outlining appendicitis,

2CASE STUDY OF ANNE: APPENDICITIS
followed by detrimental appetite and sensations of nausea or vomiting. An additional symptom,
as outlined in the case study of Anne, is the atrophy of the tissues in the appendix, as a result of
reduced blood flow, causing gangrene (Lipsett & Bachur, 2017).
With respect to nursing, it is the fundamental duty of the nurse to exhibit and monitor,
appropriate care and affection to the concerned patient, in accordance to their age. Due to their
extensive career, nurses will be required to provide their service to patients, comprising of
various ages and developmental stages. Each age and developmental stage, with respect to a
patient, will demand unique and appropriate care routines, for the purpose of which, it is
imperative for nurses to acknowledge themselves regarding the diverse growth and
developmental theories applicable (Kaakinen et al., 2018). With accordance to the psychosocial
theory of development, as formulated by Erik Erikson, an individual performs specific
milestones related to developmental tasks and cognition, in accordance to their age. Referring to
this theory, the patient of this case study, Anne, can be placed in the fourth stage of psychosocial
theory, which is outlined as ‘Industry vs. Inferiority’, comprising of children in the age group of
5 to 12 years. In accordance to this developmental stage, a child is highlighted a sense of pride
and feelings of achievement, when positively appraised by societal and familial components
(Darling-Fisher & Leidy, 2015). However, since the child is devoid of perfection and mastering
of skills at this stage, discouragement from the same, will hinder their motivational as well as
competence skills. Hence, with respect to Anne, the nurse not only has to display age appropriate
care, but also has to extensively engage in encouraging, positively stimulating and motivational
interactions, to further enhance Anne’s sense of confidence and self-esteem, which will quicken
her recovery, as well as positively develop her sense of competency in the future (Ramezani et
al., 2014).