Nursing care plan for abdominal abscess

Introduction of Abdominal Abscess

Abdominal abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms in the abdominal cavity and is surrounded by a wall of inflamed abdominal tissues. Abdominal abscess can be caused due to bacterial infection in any of the organs present in the abdomen, including the liver, pancreas, spleen, intestines, stomach, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Symptoms of abdominal abscess include severe abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, loss of appetite, constipation, and an increase in white blood cell count.

Assessment: Explanation of Each

• Vital Signs: A nurse should take vital signs of a patient with abdominal abscess, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
• Abdominal Examination: The nurse should examine the abdomen for tenderness, guarding, distension, or rigidity.
• Laboratory Tests: A full blood count (FBC) will help to check for infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities. It includes white blood cell count and differential, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count.
• Imaging Studies: To check for the presence of an abdominal abscess, imaging studies like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear medicine may be used.

Nursing Diagnosis: Explanation of Each

A nurse should assess the patient for possible nursing diagnosis for abdominal abscess, such as:

• Impaired Skin Integrity: This diagnosis is based on the presence of skin breakdown, reddened skin, and discoloration at the site of the abscess.
• Infection Risk: This diagnosis is based on the presence of an infection, evidence of infection in the bloodstream or body fluids, or the patient's risk factors.
• Ineffective Coping: This nursing diagnosis is based on the patient's inability to effectively manage pain and stress related to the disease and treatment.

Outcomes: Explanation of Each

An appropriate nursing care plan should include specific outcomes which must be achieved to reach the patient's desired health status. These can include the following outcomes:

• The patient will remain free from complications associated with the abdominal abscess.
• The patient will experience relief from pain.
• The patient will demonstrate improved coping skills.
• The patient will maintain skin integrity.
• The patient's infection will be managed with minimal impact on daily functioning.

Interventions: Explanation of Each

The interventions selected must be appropriate and will depend on the patient's needs. The nurse should consider the following interventions:

• Monitor Vital Signs: The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, such as pulse rate, respiration rate, temperature, and blood pressure.
• Medication Therapy: The patient should be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection and analgesics to relieve the pain.
• Nutritional Support: The nurse should provide the patient with appropriate nutritional advice and supplement, if necessary.
• Incision and Drainage: If the abscess is large, it should be surgically drained. This is done under general anesthesia.
• Incision Care: After the incision is made, the wound should be cleaned and dressed regularly.
• Emotional Support: The nurse should provide emotional support to the patient and his family members during this difficult time.

Rationales: Explanation of Each

Nursing interventions are chosen to meet the patient's health-related needs and to improve his overall health status. The following rationales should be considered:

• Monitor Vital Signs: This is to check for any changes in the patient's condition, such as developing sepsis.
• Medication Therapy: Antibiotics are given to fight the infection and analgesics are prescribed for pain relief.
• Nutritional Support: This is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate nutrition to help with healing.
• Incision and Drainage: This is necessary to remove the pus from the abscess and to reduce the risk of further spread of the infection.
• Incision Care: This is done to keep the wound clean and to reduce the risk of infection.
• Emotional Support: This is essential to help the patient cope with this difficult situation.

Evaluation: Explanation of Each

The nurse should evaluate the patient's progress by assessing if the patient has met the desired outcome. This could include monitoring the patient's vital signs, wound healing, and response to medication. The nurse should also assess if the patient's symptoms have improved, if the patient is coping better, and if the patient's risk of infection has been reduced.

Conclusion

Abdominal abscess is a serious condition which requires prompt treatment and close monitoring. With appropriate nursing care, the patient can make a full recovery. The nurse plays an important role in managing the patient's condition and helping him achieve optimal health status.

FAQs

• What is an abdominal abscess?
  An abdominal abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms in the abdominal cavity. It is surrounded by a wall of inflamed abdominal tissues and can be caused due to bacterial infection in any of the organs present in the abdomen.
• What are the symptoms of abdominal abscess?
  Symptoms of abdominal abscess include severe abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, loss of appetite, constipation, and an increase in white blood cell count.
• What kind of nursing interventions should be used to manage abdominal abscess?
  Nursing interventions should include monitoring vital signs, administering medication therapy and nutritional support, incision and drainage if necessary, incision care, and emotional support.
• How is abdominal abscess evaluated?
  Abdominal abscess is evaluated by assessing if the patient has met the desired outcome. This could include monitoring the patient's vital signs, wound healing, and response to medication. The nurse should also assess if the patient's symptoms have improved, if the patient is coping better, and if the patient's risk of infection has been reduced.
• What are some nursing diagnoses for abdominal abscess?
  Nursing diagnoses for abdominal abscess can include impaired skin integrity, infection risk, and ineffective coping.