QLexNursing

✅ Appendicitis most commonly causes pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) because the appendix is located in the RLQ, near McBurney’s point.

✅ The pain often begins as vague periumbilical discomfort and then migrates to the RLQ as inflammation irritates the parietal peritoneum.

✅ RLQ pain is a key expected manifestation in children and is frequently accompanied by tenderness, guarding, and sometimes rebound pain.

✅ The nurse should expect the pain to worsen with movement, coughing, or walking, because these increase peritoneal irritation.

✅ Recognizing RLQ pain early is important because untreated appendicitis can progress to perforation and peritonitis, which are serious complications requiring urgent care.

Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen

✅ RUQ pain is more typical of gallbladder or liver problems rather than appendicitis.

✅ Appendicitis pain classically localizes to the RLQ, not the RUQ.

Pain in both quadrants of the upper abdomen

✅ Upper abdominal pain is more consistent with gastric or hepatobiliary conditions than appendicitis.

✅ Appendicitis tends to become localized rather than causing broad bilateral upper abdominal pain.

Pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen

✅ LLQ pain is commonly associated with constipation or other lower intestinal conditions, not appendicitis.

✅ Appendiceal inflammation usually produces right-sided lower abdominal pain.