A 10-year-old child presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and rebound tenderness. Laboratory tests show an elevated white blood cell count and neutrophil predominance. What is the most appropriate next step? A) Perform an abdominal ultrasound B) Order a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis C) Administer intravenous antibiotics and observe D) Proceed with immediate appendectomy E) Consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation Answer: D) Proceed with immediate appendectomy Explanation: The clinical presentation is consistent with acute appendicitis, and immediate appendectomy is the standard of care in this scenario. Imaging studies may be obtained preoperatively for confirmation, but surgery is the definitive treatment.
