APPENDICITIS EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A patient reports abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. The primary healthcare provider
suspects appendicitis. Which diagnosis will confirm the condition?
X-ray of abdomen
Physical assessment
White blood cell count
Computed tomography (CT) - Answer-Computed tomography (CT)
What is the function of the appendix?
Assists with fecal removal
Assists with motility
Its purpose is unknown
Secretes digestive acid - Answer-Its purpose is unknown
What potential complications can occur from untreated appendicitis? Select all that
apply.
Peritonitis
Obstruction
Abscess
Gangrene
Perforation - Answer-Peritonitis
Obstruction
Abscess
Gangrene
Perforation
The patient comes to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and pain upon
deep palpation at the location on the image. How should the nurse document this
finding?
Positive Rovsing's sign
Pain at McBurney's point
Rebound tenderness
Normal findings - Answer-Pain at McBurney's point
Which white blood cell (WBC) count indicates that perforation may have occurred from
appendicitis?
2,000/mm3
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A patient reports abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. The primary healthcare provider
suspects appendicitis. Which diagnosis will confirm the condition?
X-ray of abdomen
Physical assessment
White blood cell count
Computed tomography (CT) - Answer-Computed tomography (CT)
What is the function of the appendix?
Assists with fecal removal
Assists with motility
Its purpose is unknown
Secretes digestive acid - Answer-Its purpose is unknown
What potential complications can occur from untreated appendicitis? Select all that
apply.
Peritonitis
Obstruction
Abscess
Gangrene
Perforation - Answer-Peritonitis
Obstruction
Abscess
Gangrene
Perforation
The patient comes to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and pain upon
deep palpation at the location on the image. How should the nurse document this
finding?
Positive Rovsing's sign
Pain at McBurney's point
Rebound tenderness
Normal findings - Answer-Pain at McBurney's point
Which white blood cell (WBC) count indicates that perforation may have occurred from
appendicitis?
2,000/mm3
