Final answer:
The child's greatest fear when preparing for an emergency appendectomy is a perceived loss of control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should expect the child's greatest fear to be a perceived loss of control (C) when preparing the child for an emergency appendectomy.
Children often feel scared and anxious when faced with a medical procedure and being in an unfamiliar environment (B). However, the greatest fear for a child in this situation is typically a perceived loss of control.
The child may feel overwhelmed by the sudden onset of pain and the need for surgery, leading to a fear of losing control over their body and what is happening to them. It is important for the nurse to provide reassurance, involve the child in the decision-making process as much as possible, and explain the procedure in age-appropriate language to help alleviate this fear.