Assess symptoms: abdominal pain, especially starting near the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever
Perform a physical examination: check for right lower quadrant tenderness, guarding, rebound tenderness, and pain with movement
Review medical history: onset, location, and progression of pain; associated gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms
Order blood tests: complete blood count for elevated white blood cells and inflammatory markers
Order urine test: rule out urinary tract infection or kidney stones
Perform pregnancy test when appropriate: rule out ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related causes
Use imaging studies: abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI when needed
Evaluate for signs of peritonitis or worsening condition: rigid abdomen, severe pain, high fever, or inability to walk
Seek urgent surgical consultation if appendicitis is strongly suspected
Confirm diagnosis with clinical findings plus imaging and laboratory results