For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with constipation or appendicitis.

Fever and tachycardia are hallmarks of the inflammatory/infectious process in appendicitis — they are not typical of simple constipation. Decreased appetite and changes in bowel habits (constipation, difficult bowel movement) can occur in both conditions. However, the combination of fever, tachycardia, right lower quadrant pain with rebound tenderness, and hypoactive bowel sounds strongly favors appendicitis.