Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A 9-year-old admitted to the unit with severe abdominal pain and fever is diagnosed with appendicitis and is placed on the surgery schedule for an appendectomy. The child reports to the nurse of experiencing sudden relief in abdominal pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Sudden relief of pain in appendicitis may indicate appendix rupture, a surgical emergency due to potential peritonitis. Contacting the healthcare provider immediately is critical for urgent evaluation. Documentation, meal inquiry, and antibiotics are secondary to addressing this potentially life-threatening change.