Appendicitis: a clinical review

Abstract

Right iliac fossa pain is a daily encounter for advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) working in the acute surgical setting, who are in an optimal position to provide holistic, quality patient-centred care for these individuals. The ACP role cannot be underestimated in this patient group; using the ACP's autonomous, adaptive capabilities and high level of critical thinking, they can improve patient experience and outcomes. This clinical review discusses the challenge of diagnosing appendicitis in people who present with right iliac fossa pain. In the first author's experience as a trainee ACP, this has been a common presentation that is, at times, taxing. This review aims to provide other health professionals some insight into supporting clinical reasoning behind the decisions regarding the treatment of right iliac fossa pain.