A 10-year-old child is admitted to the emergency department…
A 10-year-old child is admitted to the emergency department with a 2-day history of right lower quadrant pain and nausea. Upon assessment, the nurse notes a temperature of 102.4°F (39.1°C), a rigid, board-like abdomen, and rapid, shallow respirations. The child identifies that the pain, which was previously localized, is now felt “everywhere.” Which complication should the nurse suspect?