A client recovering from an appendectomy asks the nurse about pain management. What should the nurse instruct the client to do for effective pain relief?

A) Incorrect. Severe, constant abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant is indicative of appendicitis, but it does not specifically indicate perforation.

B) Incorrect. While an elevated heart rate and blood pressure may be present in response to pain or infection, they are not specific indications of appendix perforation.

C) Incorrect. Rebound tenderness in the lower right abdomen is an important clinical sign of appendicitis but is not specific to perforation.

D) Correct. Fever and signs of sepsis, including an elevated temperature, increased heart rate, and other systemic symptoms, can indicate the presence of infection due to appendix perforation.

A) Incorrect. While ultrasound can be used in the evaluation of appendicitis, it is not considered the most definitive test. It may be less accurate in certain cases, such as in individuals with obesity.

B) Correct. A CT scan is considered the most definitive test for diagnosing appendicitis. It provides detailed images of the appendix and surrounding structures, allowing for accurate assessment.

C) Incorrect. Blood tests for infection markers, such as white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, can support the diagnosis of appendicitis, but they are not as definitive as a CT scan.

D) Incorrect. Abdominal X-rays are not typically used as a primary diagnostic tool for appendicitis. They may be performed to rule out other conditions, but they do not provide detailed information about the appendix itself.