Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is a common presentation of acute appendicitis?

1. Right upper quadrant pain

2. Left lower quadrant pain

3. Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant

4. Diarrhea

The correct answer is: Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant

Acute appendicitis typically presents with specific signs and symptoms that help in its diagnosis, with rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant being a key indicator. When palpating the abdomen, rebound tenderness occurs when pressure is applied to the abdomen and then quickly released, causing pain in the area where the inflammation is located—in this case, the right lower quadrant where the appendix is situated. This is a classic finding in appendicitis and is reflective of peritoneal irritation due to inflammation, making it an important clinical sign for healthcare professionals to assess. In addition to rebound tenderness, patients may also exhibit other symptoms such as localized pain, fever, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Contextually, the other choices represent incorrect presentations associated with other conditions. For instance, right upper quadrant pain is more typical of gallbladder issues, left lower quadrant pain might suggest diverticulitis or other pathology, and diarrhea is not a common finding in appendicitis, which usually presents with nausea and sometimes constipation.