ATI LPN Pediatrics Exam Related

Review ATI LPN Pediatrics Exam related questions and content

A nurse is collecting data from a child who has acute appendicitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

  • A. Bradycardia
  • B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
  • C. WBC 17,000/mm
  • D. Left lower quadrant abdominal pain
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with acute appendicitis. In fact, tachycardia, or a faster than normal heart rate, may occur due to the body's response to inflammation and infection. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a typical finding in acute appendicitis. In fact, bowel sounds may be normal or decreased due to the inflammatory process. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 17,000/mm is higher than the normal range, indicating the presence of an infection or inflammation in the body. This is a common finding in acute appendicitis. Pain from appendicitis is typically located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, not the left.