A nurse is collecting data from a child who has acute appendicitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Acute appendicitis typically causes right lower quadrant pain due to inflammation of the appendix, often at McBurney’s point. Left lower quadrant pain is associated with conditions like diverticulitis, not appendicitis. The anatomical location of the appendix makes this an incorrect expected finding in a child with appendicitis. Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not typical in acute appendicitis, which often causes tachycardia due to pain, inflammation, or fever from infection. The body’s stress response increases heart rate to meet metabolic demands. Leukocytosis is a more specific sign, making bradycardia an incorrect expected finding in this condition. Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds occur early in appendicitis but progress to hypoactive sounds as inflammation worsens, causing ileus. By the time of acute presentation, bowel sounds are typically diminished. Elevated WBC is a more consistent finding, reflecting infection, making hyperactive sounds less likely in advanced appendicitis. Choice D reason: A WBC of 17,000/mm³ indicates leukocytosis, a hallmark of acute appendicitis due to bacterial infection and inflammation of the appendix. Neutrophil elevation reflects the body’s immune response to localized peritonitis. This is an expected finding, as it confirms the infectious process, requiring urgent surgical evaluation in children.