A 14-year-old girl has returned to the nursing unit after undergoing an appendectomy. To help relieve her discomfort and facilitate drainage, the nurse should place her in which position?
Explanation
• After an appendectomy, some patients have a Penrose drain inserted. To facilitate drainage and improve comfort, the patient should be placed in low- to semi-Fowler's with the knees flexed.
• The appendix, a pouch attached to the cecum, may become inflamed after an upper respiratory or other body infection, but the cause of appendicitis is generally obscure. In some instances, fecal material enters the appendix, hardens, and obstructs the appendix lumen. Inflammation and edema develop, leading to compression of blood vessels and cellular necrosis.