A nurse is assessing a client with suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Rebound tenderness at McBurney’s point, located in the right lower quadrant, is a classic sign of appendicitis. It occurs due to peritoneal irritation from an inflamed appendix, causing pain when pressure is released. This reflects localized inflammation and is a key diagnostic finding, often accompanied by guarding and fever. Choice B reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typical in appendicitis. Early in the condition, bowel sounds may be normal, but as inflammation progresses, paralytic ileus develops, leading to hypoactive or absent bowel sounds. Hyperactive sounds suggest other conditions, like gastroenteritis or obstruction, not the peritoneal irritation characteristic of appendicitis. Choice C reason: Increased urinary output is not associated with appendicitis. Inflammation may cause systemic effects, but the kidneys typically reduce urine output (oliguria) in response to stress or hypovolemia from fluid shifts. Appendicitis does not directly affect renal function to increase urine production, making this an unlikely finding. Choice D reason: A soft, non-tender abdomen is not expected in appendicitis. The condition causes localized tenderness, guarding, and rigidity in the right lower quadrant due to inflammation. A soft abdomen suggests no significant peritoneal irritation, which contradicts the pathophysiology of appendicitis, where pain and muscle guarding are prominent features.