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Ruptured Appendix Prevention Measure |
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped sac extending from the first part of the large intestine. It is removed when it becomes inflamed or infected. An infected appendix can leak or rupture, which will infect the entire abdominal area.
A ruptured appendix may occur when appropriate treatment for an infected appendix (acute appendicitis) is delayed for a number of reasons, including problems with access to care, failure by the patient to interpret symptoms as important or other delays in obtaining appropriate care. With prompt and appropriate care, an infected appendix (acute appendicitis) should not progress to a ruptured appendix.
Admission for a ruptured appendix is not a measure of hospital quality, but rather one way to measure care of an infected appendix (acute appendicitis). Timely diagnosis and treatment may reduce the likelihood of a ruptured appendix.
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Quality Measures 
