A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The correct answer is C: Absence of bowel sounds. This finding could indicate a potential complication like paralytic ileus, which is a common postoperative issue. Absent bowel sounds could suggest decreased gastrointestinal motility, leading to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. It is crucial to report this to the provider for further evaluation and intervention. The other options are normal or expected postoperative findings. A slight temperature elevation (A) is common due to the inflammatory response. Incisional pain (B) is expected after surgery and can be managed with pain medication. Urine output of 50 mL/hr (D) is within the normal range for postoperative clients, indicating adequate renal perfusion.