A client admitted with a diagnosis of appendicitis calls the nurse and states, "Do you think I'll still need surgery? My pain suddenly stopped, and I feel much more comfortable now when I bend my knees." Which action should the nurse take?

A. Administer intravenous antibiotic: Antibiotics are often given as part of appendicitis management, but sudden pain relief may indicate appendix rupture. At this point, the priority is rapid surgical intervention, not antibiotics alone. B. Place in high Fowler's position: Positioning may help with comfort but does not address the urgent complication of a possible perforated appendix. It is a supportive measure, not a definitive response to the change in symptoms. C. Determine last dose of analgesic: While it is important to know when pain medication was last administered, relying on this alone could delay recognition of a surgical emergency. Sudden absence of pain in appendicitis is rarely due to analgesia but often due to perforation. D. Prepare for emergency surgery: A sudden decrease in pain in appendicitis is concerning for rupture, as pressure is relieved when the appendix bursts. This is a life-threatening complication requiring immediate surgical evaluation and intervention.