NERS NEWS — Surabaya, October 2, 2026 — Group 12 of the Medical-Surgical Nursing (KMB) Rotation, Batch 49, Nursing Profession Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted a Hospital Health Education (PKRS) activity on appendicitis in Room 606, IRNA 6A, Grha Trimed, Universitas Airlangga Hospital. The activity carried the theme “Beware of Appendicitis: Recognize Its Signs, Causes, Complications, and Prevention” and targeted patients and their families in the inpatient ward. It aimed to improve participants’ knowledge of appendicitis, including its definition, causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, treatment, and measures that can be taken to prevent complications.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which generally occurs due to an obstruction in the appendiceal lumen. This condition can cause abdominal pain that usually begins around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and changes in bowel habits in some patients. If not treated promptly, the inflammation can progress to perforation, or rupture of the appendix, peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses, and even sepsis.
The health education session was delivered directly to patients and their families in Room 606, IRNA 6A, Grha Trimed. The materials were presented in simple language to make them easier for participants to understand. Posters and leaflets were used as educational media. The posters helped participants understand the material through text and illustrations, while the leaflets were distributed so participants could review the information about appendicitis after the session.
The materials covered the definition of appendicitis, its causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, treatment, care, and measures to prevent complications. Participants were also informed about warning signs that require attention, such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, a hard or extremely tender abdomen, deterioration in general condition, and other symptoms indicating the need for immediate medical evaluation. Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the information presented during the session.
During the presentation, participants were informed that appendicitis requires appropriate attention and treatment because ongoing inflammation can lead to complications. Treatment may be adjusted according to the patient’s condition and medical examination results. In certain cases, surgery in the form of an appendectomy may be performed to remove the inflamed appendix. In addition, medical therapy and antibiotics may be administered depending on the patient’s condition and the healthcare professionals’ assessment. Therefore, patients and their families were advised to follow healthcare professionals’ instructions and not delay seeking medical evaluation if signs and symptoms suggestive of appendicitis occur.
Preventing complications was also emphasized during the PKRS activity. Patients and their families received education on the importance of recognizing symptoms early, seeking medical evaluation promptly if abdominal pain persists or worsens, following prescribed treatment, maintaining food and fluid intake according to the patient’s condition, and monitoring the patient’s condition during recovery. After undergoing a procedure, patients also need to follow wound care instructions and attend follow-up appointments according to the schedule provided by healthcare professionals.
The activity was attended by eight participants. Although the number of participants did not meet the initial target of 10, the session proceeded according to the planned schedule. Participants showed enthusiasm by paying attention to the material and taking part in the question-and-answer session. The session remained orderly and conducive until its completion.
This PKRS activity involved Group 12 of the Medical-Surgical Nursing Rotation, Batch 49, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga. The group members were Khairun Nisa’ Anabila, Eka Sari Nur Cholifah, Nur Safitri Rahmania, Angelica Ismaylin, Siti Faidza Agustin, and Rizcha Rachmawati. The activity was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Lailatun Ni’mah, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., as the academic supervisor, and Ari Kusumandani, S.Kep., Ns., as the clinical supervisor.
Through this PKRS activity, Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, hope that patients and their families will develop a better understanding of appendicitis, be able to recognize its signs and symptoms, understand its causes and potential complications, and appreciate the importance of receiving appropriate treatment. The education is also expected to help patients and their families follow healthcare professionals’ recommendations, provide appropriate care during recovery, and seek medical assistance promptly if warning signs requiring medical attention arise.
Writer: Nur Safitri Rahmania
