Clinical symptoms of appendicitis Appendicitis is a condition that occurs due to inflammation within the inner tissues of the vermiform appendix. Though the biological function of the appendix was previously unknown, it is today associated with the formation of immunoglobulin (Tsung-Ju et al., 2013). Despite the discovery of antibiotic therapy and the use of correctional surgery in the management of this condition, it is still common in people of various age groups. David has a number of clinical symptoms that have guided his diagnosis with acute appendicitis. Appendicitis is characterized by prolonged phases of diarrhoea or constipation, which is normally accompanied by gaseous stool. David has aptly stated that he has been experiencing continuous diarrhoea which is common in appendicitis (Omari, Khammash, Qasaimeh, Shammari, Yaseen & Hammori, 2014). Though appendicitis pain takes a period of two hours, an extension can occur depending on the nature of the infection. Based on the statement provided by David, the pain began while he was watching TV, but failed to subside despite using Panadol and Nurofen painkillers. According to David’s statement, the pain radiated from the right flank area, an indication of a progressive infection. Appendicitis is also characterized by nausea and vomiting with a mild level of fever. David indicated that he had been vomiting since the pain began with a temperature of 38.7°c (Şener Bahçe, Haslak, Büyükkaya, Karakoyun Demirci & Özçınar, 2014). Though these symptoms are common in adolescent and young adult patients of appendicitis, other advanced clinical symptoms can also be witnessed. For example, extended abdominal swelling and increase in rigidity indicates an advanced level of infection. Pressing the lower flank of the abdomen releases a sharp pain common in patients of acute appendicitis. However, increasing the pressure on the left side increases the level of pain, a further indication of advanced level of appendicitis infection. David was clutching his right side when he visited the facility, an indication that he was attempting to reduce the level of pain by applying pressure on the tender section, a process known as rebound tenderness in acute appendicitis. Unattended appendicitis can spread the infection to other tissues of the abdominal cavity (Tsung-Ju et al., 2013). Necessary assessments for confirmation of appendicitis Before confirming that David is suffering from acute appendicitis, different levels of assessment and diagnostic tests must be conducted. Nursing assessment of the patient provides an opportunity to examine the early symptoms and signs of appendicitis. Nursing examination indicates the physical state of the patient, including septic and shock status. During this assessment, the ability of David to lie still or otherwise will be examined as a way of determining the level of infection. Patients who can lie still have the possibility of peritonitis levelled appendicitis while those who are restless may be suffering from extensive inflammation in the intestinal and renal tissues (Shen, Ye, Yin & Wang, 2012). An examination of the airway passage, breathing pattern and blood circulation in Da