When a 12-year-old child has a diagnosis of appendicitis..

When a 12-year-old child has a diagnosis of appendicitis, which of the following manifestations would be most important for the nurse to follow-up?

A. Tympanic temperature of 101.2F (38.4C)
B. Absence of stool for 24 hours
C. Nausea when exposed to food odors
D. Cessation of abdominal pain

Answer D.

Explanation: Signs of peritonitis usually include fever and sudden relief from pain after perforation. There may be a subsequent increase in pain, which is usually diffuse and accompanied by rigid guarding of the abdomen and progressive abdominal distention. Tachycardia, rapid, shallow breathing as the child refrains from using abdominal muscles, pallor, chills, irritability and restlessness also are manifestations of peritonitis.