Priorities in appendicitis with peritonitis?

Priorities in appendicitis with peritonitis?

• A. Administer analgesia only
• B. NPO status
• C. Obtain IV fluids and IV antibiotics immediately
• D. Start IV fluids later

Answer: (C)

In acute appendicitis with peritonitis, the most urgent needs are to stabilize the patient and begin infection control. Peritonitis can cause rapid fluid shifts and shock, so restoring intravascular volume with IV crystalloid fluids is essential right away. At the same time, starting broad-spectrum IV antibiotics targets the enteric bacteria that contaminate the peritoneal cavity, helping to prevent worsening sepsis before surgical source control is achieved. Analgesia and keeping the patient NPO are important, but they should not delay resuscitation and antibiotic therapy. Delaying IV fluids would increase the risk of hemodynamic instability, so giving fluids and antibiotics immediately is the best course.

In acute appendicitis with peritonitis, the most urgent needs are to stabilize the patient and begin infection control. Peritonitis can cause rapid fluid shifts and shock, so restoring intravascular volume with IV crystalloid fluids is essential right away. At the same time, starting broad-spectrum IV antibiotics targets the enteric bacteria that contaminate the peritoneal cavity, helping to prevent worsening sepsis before surgical source control is achieved. Analgesia and keeping the patient NPO are important, but they should not delay resuscitation and antibiotic therapy. Delaying IV fluids would increase the risk of hemodynamic instability, so giving fluids and antibiotics immediately is the best course.