You Are Concerned That a Sick 5-Year-Old with Lower Abdominal

question 29

Multiple Choice

You are concerned that a sick 5-year-old with lower abdominal pain and a temperature of 100.3°F has appendicitis. He describes the pain as generalized and crampy and although complaining of nausea, he is not vomiting. His pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and SpO₂ are normal and there are no immediate life-threatening conditions. Based on these assessment findings, his father informs you that he does not wish his son to be transported, and will call the pediatrician in the morning. How would you respond?

• A) "I'm okay with that; monitor his fever and make sure to call first thing in the morning."
• B) "I am concerned that your son has appendicitis and by law we must treat and transport him."
• C) "I have to tell you, if he has appendicitis, it will only get worse and become a major situation."
• D) "If you insist there is nothing I can legally do; let me talk to the pediatrician to let him know what is going on."