A parent brings a child to the health clinic with reports of RLQ pain, fever, and decreased appetite. His pain is a "6" on the pain scale on arrival. After 15 minutes the patient reports his pain as a "0". What condition might the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Constipation can cause abdominal discomfort, but it typically presents with gradual onset and does not resolve suddenly. Pain from constipation is usually persistent until bowel movement occurs and is not associated with fever or abrupt relief. Choice B reason: A sudden resolution of pain in a child with RLQ tenderness, fever, and decreased appetite is a red flag for ruptured appendix. When the appendix bursts, the pressure is relieved, leading to a temporary cessation of pain. However, this is followed by worsening systemic symptoms due to peritonitis. The abrupt drop in pain intensity is a classic sign of rupture and requires immediate medical attention. Choice C reason: Urinary tract infections may cause lower abdominal pain and fever, but they do not typically present with sudden pain relief. The pain is usually persistent and associated with urinary symptoms such as dysuria or frequency. Choice D reason: Intussusception presents with intermittent, crampy abdominal pain, often accompanied by vomiting and "currant jelly" stools. Pain episodes are paroxysmal and may resolve temporarily, but the pattern is different from the sudden and complete relief seen in appendiceal rupture.