Appendicitis – Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (PAINS)

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Outline PAINS

• P-Pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen
• A-Anorexia-loss of appetite
• I-Increased temperature, WBC (15,000-20,000)
• N-Nausea
• S-Signs (McBurney’s, Psoas)

Description

Psoas sign is pain when a patient extends their thigh while lying on their side with knees extended. It indicates irritation to certain abdominal muscles. McBurney’s sign is if there is deep tenderness at McBurney’s point, which is located on the right side of the abdomen, one-third the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the navel.