A parent calls the pediatric clinic to make an appointment for her child who complains of periumbilical pain that has progressed to right lower quadrant pain.Later the parent calls to cancel the appointment,stating that the pain went away spontaneously after the child used a heating pad.What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Ask the parent if the child has diarrhea or a fever.
B) Encourage the parent to keep the appointment anyway.
C) Instruct the parent to take the child to an emergency department.
D) Reassure the parent she can bring the child in if the pain returns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This child has the classic pain presentation of appendicitis.Appendicitis pain that resolves spontaneously is often indicative of perforation.The child needs to be seen in an emergency department.The other actions are not appropriate at this time.

A Parent Calls the Pediatric Clinic to Make an Appointment