What should the nurse's initial action be after a client with acute appendicitis reports sudden pain relief?

In the context of acute appendicitis, a sudden relief of pain can be a concerning sign, as it may indicate that the appendix has ruptured and the associated inflammation and irritation have subsided, potentially leading to peritonitis or other serious complications. Therefore, notifying the healthcare provider is the most appropriate initial action in this scenario.

This step is critical because a sudden change in the patient's condition, especially in cases of appendicitis, requires immediate medical evaluation and intervention. The healthcare provider may want to assess the patient further and consider diagnostic tests such as imaging or laboratory work to determine the cause of the pain relief and to decide on the next steps for treatment.

While checking vital signs, administering pain medication, and documenting findings are also important aspects of patient care, they would typically follow the initial notification to the healthcare provider in this situation. The sudden change in symptoms warrants rapid communication to ensure the patient receives timely and appropriate care.