A client is concerned about the risk of appendicitis and asks the nurse for advice. What should the nurse include as a potential risk factor for this condition?

A) Incorrect. While a physical examination is an important component of the diagnostic process, its primary purpose is to assess for signs and symptoms that may suggest appendicitis. It does not definitively confirm the presence of appendicitis.

B) Correct. One of the main purposes of a physical examination in the diagnostic process for appendicitis is to identify alternative causes of abdominal pain. This helps in ruling out other conditions that may mimic appendicitis.

C) Incorrect. A physical examination does not directly visualize the appendix. Imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scan are used for direct visualization.

D) Incorrect. The primary purpose of a physical examination in the context of appendicitis is to assess for signs and symptoms indicative of the condition, rather than assessing overall gastrointestinal system function.

A) Incorrect. The pain associated with appendicitis is not typically felt in the upper left abdomen near the stomach.

B) Incorrect. The lower left abdomen near the sigmoid colon is not the typical location for appendicitis-related pain.

C) Correct. The characteristic location of pain in appendicitis is in the lower right abdomen, near the right hip bone. This is a key clinical feature used in assessment.

D) Incorrect. The pain of appendicitis is not typically centered in the upper right abdomen near the liver.