The nurse suspects appendicitis in a patient complaining of abdominal pain. Which assessment finding should cause the nurse to notify the physician?
a. The patient burps after drinking a glass of water.
b. Tympanic, hollow sounds are heard on percussion.
c. Bowel sounds are hyperactive in the upper quadrants.
d. Palpation of the abdomen is positive for rebound tenderness.
ANS: D
Local rebound tenderness (intensification of pain when pressure is released after palpation) in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen is a classic sign of appendicitis. A. B. C. Burping, tympanic bowel sounds, and hyperactive bowel sounds are not associated with appendicitis.
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