A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as a manifestation of a perforated appendix and report to the provider?

A nurse caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis should monitor for several manifestations of a perforated appendix and report to the provider. According to my sources, one of the major complications of appendicitis is the perforation of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis, abscess formation, or portal pylephlebitis. Perforation generally occurs 24 hours after the onset of pain. Symptoms include a fever of 37.7⁰C or greater, a toxic appearance, and continued abdominal pain or tenderness. B- Lethargy is not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix. C- Decreased abdominal girth is not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix. D- Bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate, is also not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.