In managing a client suspected of appendicitis, what finding supports that diagnosis?

The finding that supports the diagnosis of appendicitis is pain in the right lower quadrant. Appendicitis typically presents with localized abdominal pain that begins around the umbilical area and then migrates to the right lower quadrant, where the inflamed appendix is located. This characteristic pain pattern, often referred to as "rebound tenderness" or "McBurney's point tenderness," is a classic indicator of appendicitis.

Pain intensity can vary among individuals, and while a rating of 10 may indicate severe pain, it does not specifically correlate with appendicitis. Likewise, while increased bowel sounds can indicate various gastrointestinal issues, they are not a definitive finding for appendicitis, which is more closely associated with decreased bowel sounds due to the inflammatory process. Therefore, identifying pain specifically in the right lower quadrant is crucial for supporting a diagnosis of appendicitis.