Appendicitis — Early

Vague epigastric or periumbilical pain or discomfort, <1-2 days’ duration.

Key Symptom:      Anorexia
  • Nausea increases suspicion, but occurs later
Key Sign:     Consistent tenderness to palpation in RLQ
  • Tenderness may be mild, abdomen still soft
What To Do (patient doesn’t look very sick)?
  • Maybe a CBC
  • Recheck in 1 day if not improving
  • Precautions: “Go to ER if symptoms progress”

If self-triage to ER, MUST go n.p.o. !!!!!

See posting Abdominal Pain – 1.