Patient Education: In recent years, some research has suggested that appendectomies aren't necessary to treat uncomplicated appendicitis, which is appendicitis without a ruptured appendix, pus-filled abscesses, or peritonitis. Instead, an antibiotic-only treatment can do the trick. In clinical trials, patients with uncomplicated appendicitis who were treated only with antibiotics required fewer doses of narcotics, returned to work quicker, and did not have a higher perforation rate than those who underwent an immediate appendectomy.
There's no proven way to prevent appendicitis. Eating a high-fiber diet with lots of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables may help, although experts can't explain why.
Nurses will assist in turning the patient, coughing, and deep breathing to promote the lungs to expand; this can be paired or in conjunction with incentive spirometry. Nurses can show the patient will use deep breathing through splinting the incision by using a pillow or blanket. Patients are to be reminded not to lifting objects no heavier than 5-10 lbs. They will be instructed that normal activities can be resumed after 2-3 weeks, if there are no complications.