Appendicitis in Children
An 8-year-old boy was brought to a community health clinic in sub-Saharan Africa by his mother, who reported that he had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain for the past two days. The pain began around his navel but had migrated to the lower right side of his abdomen. The mother also noted that he had a low-grade fever and had been refusing to eat.
During the examination, the healthcare worker observed tenderness in the right lower quadrant and signs of rebound tenderness, raising concerns for appendicitis. The boy appeared pale and anxious, further indicating that his condition might be serious.
The healthcare worker explained the situation to the mother, emphasizing the need for urgent surgical evaluation. They arranged for immediate referral to a hospital with surgical capabilities and provided instructions for managing the boy’s symptoms during transport. The mother left the clinic feeling worried but relieved to have a plan for her son’s care.
A). Nausea
B). Abdominal pain near the navel
C). Diarrhoea
D). Coughing
A). Positive McBurney's point tenderness
B). Decreased bowel sounds
C). Jaundice
D). Enlarged spleen
A). Antibiotics alone
B). Surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy)
C). Observation and follow-up
D). Dietary changes
- A). Gastroesophageal reflux
- B). Intestinal obstruction
- C). Perforation of the appendix
- D). irritable bowel syndrome
