Inflammation is defined by the CDC as the body’s reaction resulting from different injuries to
certain parts of the body.
 Acute inflammation usually occurs for a short (yet often severe) duration. It often
resolves in two weeks or less. Symptoms appear quickly. This type restores your body to
its state before injury or illness.

Chronic inflammation is as lower and generally less severe form of inflammation. It
typically lasts longer than six weeks. It can occur even when there’s no injury, and it
doesn’t always end when the illness or injury is healed. Chronic inflammation has been
linked to autoimmune disorders and even prolonged stress.
In response to inflammation, neutrophil white cells protect the body to ward off the effects of
tissue injury and invading foreign proteins. This protection is short term as a body defense and
uses leukocytes (WBCs). As you recall, the leukocytes are the neutrophils, macrophages,
eosinophils, and basophils.
Sequence of inflammation:
Stage 1: Vascular response to injury increases blood flow which causes (hyperemia) redness
and edema. The purpose of edema is to provide cushioning to the site with fluid build-up. The
macrophage is the major cell for stage 1. The bone marrow is triggered to release WBCs to the
injury site.
Stage 2: Exudate (Pus) becomes a part of response in this stage. Exudate is pus formed from
dead WBCs, necrotic tissue, and escaped fluid from damaged area. Neutrophils, Basophils, and
tissue mast cells are active in this stage to produce WBCs to prevent bacteria growth. Shouldn’t
last more than a few days, or else there is an increased risk of sepsis.
Stage 3: Final stage. Tissue repair and replacement happen here. WBCs replace lost tissues and
repair damage. Scar tissue forms, not same as original tissue.
1. Q: Cells involved in inflammatory response.
A: Neutrophils (which come from the stem cells), macrophages (stimulate immediate
inflammatory responses), basophils (bind to and are activated by allergens), eosinophils,
and tissue mast cells.
2. Q: Sequence of inflammation using the five cardinal symptoms of inflammation
A: Warmth, redness, swelling, pain, and decreased function.
HAND HYGEINE IS THE NUMBER ONE WAY TO PREVENT SPREAD
OF PATHOGENS
The standard nursing intervention to help promote healing and repair the inflamed area to
prevent further tissue injury is Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE). Performing RICE
with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) will help the patient manage their pain and
control the inflammatory response. If inflammation is due to infection, the pathogen will have
to be eradicated with antibiotics.
Appendicitis:
Causes: Occurs when the lumen is blocked and the fluid that is secreted causes an increase in
the pressure in the appendix area. Restriction of blood flow can also occur, which results in pain
from that blockage.
Lab Values: Laboratory findings would show an elevation of the WBC (10,000 to 18,000/mm3)
for appendicitis; greater than 20,000/mm3 for perforation
Assessment: Pain in right lower quadrant known as McBurney’s point.
Reasons: Infections, Food Waste, Chronic constipation, Hereditary predisposition.
Prevention: Physical Activity, Healthy diet, Prevent constipation, treatment of stomach
diseases, unnecessary antibiotic usage.
Symptoms: Sharp (RLQ) pain, Fever, N/V, Constipation or diarrhea, Tongue plaque, dry mouth,
loss of appetite, weakness, Increased pain when on left side.
PERITONITIS:
Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition resulting from acute inflammation and infection of the
peritoneum of the abdominal cavity. The pain is caused by fecaliths (Hard Stool) blocking lumen
of the appendix
.
Five Features of peritonitis:
 Rigid abdomen with associated pain, possibly felt in shoulder or chest. Nausea and
vomiting. Diminished bowel sounds. Inability to pass gas and/or stool. Rebound
tenderness. High fever. **Low urine output** Tachycardia. Dehydration from high
fever. **Hiccups**
**Did You Know** Hiccups occur because of diaphragmatic irritation from the Peritonitis.
**Did You Know** Low urine output in peritonitis is due to inflammatory process shifting fluid
to that area.
Nurse interventions for Appendicitis or Peritonitis
DO: Keep the patient NPO
DO: IV Fluids to maintain fluid/electrolyte balance.
DO: Maintain Semi-Fowlers to assist abdominal drainage from lower abdomen.
DO NOT: Give patient enemas
DO NOT: Apply heat to abdomen
P - Pain
Q- Quality/Quantity
R- Radiating? (What region did it start?)
S- Severity of Pain (Use scale 1-10)
T- Timing (When did it start?)