Final answer:
A sudden relief of pain can indicate a ruptured appendix in a child with probable appendicitis. This is because the pressure inside the appendix drops after perforation, but it leads to a serious infection in the abdominal cavity called peritonitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, a nurse should be alert to certain signs that may indicate the appendix has perforated. A key symptom to watch for is a sudden relief of pain, which may occur after the appendix ruptures. The relief happens because the pressure inside the appendix suddenly drops, but this is a temporary and deceptive improvement. The perforation allows bacteria and other infectious materials to spill into the abdominal cavity, potentially leading to peritonitis, which is a severe and life-threatening infection requiring immediate medical attention.
Other signs of a ruptured appendix can include rebound tenderness, fever, and a worsening of the overall condition of the patient. Therefore, a nurse must be vigilant and ready to report such clinical changes to a physician promptly to manage the situation effectively.