A school age child complains of abdominal pain with nausea, anorexia and low grade fever. Palpation of the right lower quadrant of the abdomen elicits pain. The nurse would contact the provider with concern for which condition?

A. Acute appendicitis is correct. The child’s classic symptoms—periumbilical pain that localizes to the right lower quadrant (McBurney’s point), nausea, anorexia, and low-grade fever—are consistent with acute appendicitis. Early recognition is crucial because delayed diagnosis can lead to perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis, making prompt provider notification essential. B. Ulcerative colitis is incorrect. Ulcerative colitis typically presents with chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and rectal bleeding, rather than acute right lower quadrant pain with nausea and anorexia. C. Diarrhea is incorrect. While diarrhea may accompany some abdominal conditions, isolated diarrhea does not explain the localized RLQ tenderness or acute onset seen in appendicitis. D. Intussusception is incorrect. Intussusception often presents with intermittent, colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and “currant jelly” stools, and is more common in infants and toddlers rather than school-age children.