A nurse is instructing a client on when to seek immediate medical attention for possible appendicitis. What should the nurse include as a crucial symptom that requires prompt evaluation?

A) Incorrect. Hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh for wound care and may hinder the healing process. It is not recommended for routine use on surgical incisions.

B) Correct. Keeping the incision site clean and dry is essential for preventing infection. The client should also be instructed to promptly report any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage.

C) Incorrect. Adhesive tape may be used in some cases, but it is not the primary method for wound care. Keeping the incision clean and dry is more important.

D) Incorrect. While antibiotic ointment may be prescribed by the healthcare provider, it should be used as directed and not rubbed onto the incision indiscriminately.

A) Incorrect. Rebound tenderness in the lower right abdomen is a later sign of appendicitis and may not be present in the early stages.

B) Incorrect. Severe, sudden-onset abdominal pain in the upper abdomen is not a typical early symptom of appendicitis. The pain usually starts around the navel and then migrates to the lower right abdomen.

C) Incorrect. Diarrhea and frequent bowel movements are not typically associated with early-stage appendicitis.

D) Correct. Nausea and loss of appetite are common early symptoms of appendicitis. As inflammation progresses, other symptoms like abdominal pain and tenderness may develop.