Which of the following is an unexpected finding that should be documented and reported to the provider?

Choice A reason: Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant, often at McBurney’s point, is a hallmark of appendicitis, indicating peritoneal irritation from an inflamed appendix. This sign, elicited by releasing pressure during palpation, suggests localized inflammation, requiring urgent surgical evaluation to prevent rupture and peritonitis.

Choice B reason: Pancreatitis typically presents with epigastric or left upper quadrant pain, radiating to the back, not right lower quadrant rebound tenderness. It involves pancreatic inflammation, often due to gallstones or alcohol, and is assessed via serum amylase and lipase, not RLQ findings, making this incorrect.

Choice C reason: Cholecystitis causes right upper quadrant pain and tenderness, often with Murphy’s sign, due to gallbladder inflammation. Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant is not characteristic, as cholecystitis affects the upper abdomen, making this choice misaligned with the clinical finding.

Choice D reason: Diverticulitis typically causes left lower quadrant pain, as diverticula are common in the sigmoid colon. Right lower quadrant rebound tenderness is not a typical finding, as it suggests appendicitis instead, making this choice incorrect for the described gastrointestinal assessment finding.

Choice A reason: Providing a blueprint for patient-centered care describes the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation), guiding systematic care delivery. This is integral, unlike prescribing medications, a physician’s role. Assuming this is not part risks misunderstanding the process, critical for structured, effective nursing care in complex patient scenarios.

Choice B reason: Holistic care enhancing outcomes is central to the nursing process, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs through its steps. This contrasts with prescribing, which is medical. Assuming this is not part misaligns with the process’s purpose, risking fragmented care and reduced effectiveness in patient-centered nursing practice.

Choice C reason: A problem-solving approach for complex clients defines the nursing process, using data to address multifaceted needs systematically. Unlike prescribing, it’s a nursing responsibility. Assuming this is not part undermines the process’s role, risking ineffective care planning and interventions critical for managing complex patient conditions in clinical settings.

Choice D reason: Developing medication prescriptions is a physician’s role, not part of the nursing process, which focuses on assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Nurses administer or educate about medications but don’t prescribe. This distinction ensures role clarity, preventing scope-of-practice errors and supporting collaborative, patient-centered care in healthcare settings.