What is the potential consequence of delayed treatment for a client with suspected appendicitis?

Delayed treatment for a client with suspected appendicitis can lead to peritonitis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If the appendix becomes inflamed and an abscess forms, it can eventually rupture. This rupture allows infectious contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.

This condition can result in widespread infection, significant abdominal pain, fever, and even sepsis if not addressed promptly. Treatment typically involves immediate surgical intervention, often an appendectomy, to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity to prevent further complications. This illustrates the importance of timely diagnosis and management in suspected appendicitis cases.

In contrast, while urinary retention, pneumonia, and dehydration are important medical concerns, they are not direct consequences related to the progression of appendicitis itself. Urinary retention could occur for various reasons but is not specific to appendicitis. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and would be unrelated to the gastrointestinal issues at play. Dehydration can be a concern in many medical situations but is not a direct result of an untreated appendicitis.