Patient Data Exhibits Choose the most likely options for the information missing from the statement(s) by selecting from the lists of options provided. The nurse recognizes that the client has dropdown as evidenced by dropdown and dropdown .

Rationale for Correct Choices: • Appendicitis: The client presents with acute onset right lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and elevated WBC, all classic signs of appendicitis. The CT scan confirms a dilated appendix with fat stranding, which is a definitive diagnostic finding. • Computed tomography (CT) scan results: Imaging confirms the diagnosis by showing a 7 mm dilated appendix with fat stranding, which directly identifies appendiceal inflammation. • White blood cell count (WBC): The elevated WBC of 16,000/mm³ indicates an inflammatory or infectious process, supporting the diagnosis of appendicitis. Rationale for Incorrect Choices: • Cholecystitis: Typically presents with right upper quadrant pain, often radiating to the shoulder, and may be associated with jaundice. This client’s pain is localized to the right lower quadrant, making cholecystitis unlikely. • Gastroenteritis: Usually causes diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhea, and generalized cramping. The patient has localized right lower quadrant pain and no diarrhea, so gastroenteritis is less likely. • Fever: While the client does have a low-grade fever (100.8°F), this is a non-specific symptom that can be present in a variety of conditions, including gastroenteritis and cholecystitis. It is not as specific or as definitive as the CT scan or the WBC count. • Nausea and vomiting: These are common but nonspecific symptoms present in many gastrointestinal conditions and cannot solely confirm appendicitis. • Constipation: The client reports normal bowel movements; constipation is not present and does not support the diagnosis of appendicitis.