Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 67%
Full-length
The nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours postoperative after an appendectomy. Which of the following findings would be of GREATest concern to the nurse?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
A temperature of 100.8┬░F 6 hours post-appendectomy suggests infection, possibly from perforation or abscess, requiring immediate evaluation. Options A, C, and D are expected: heart rate 88 is normal, absent bowel sounds are typical post-surgery, and moderate pain is common.