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Notes

Appendicitis

Mean age for appendicitis in children is 6-10 yrs old

Signs & Symptoms-in order of significant likelihood ratiosDifferential Diagnosis
  • ® LQ pain, (+) McBurney's point; ® thigh/testicle
  • Nausea, vomiting, night sweats
  • Guarding of rectus abdominis
  • (+) Psoas sign
  • (+) Obturator sign
  • Low-grade fever unless associated with perforation (then high fever may occur)
  • (+) Rebound tenderness
  • Position of relief: tense abdomen with FB or lie down with both knees to chest
  • DnArrowHemoglobin
  • DnArrowHematocrit
  • Change in fingernail beds
  • Pale skin color
  • Fatigue
  • DnArrowDBP

Source: American Family Physician http://www.afp.org/afp/991101ap/2027.html.