Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of appendicitis?

Appendicitis typically presents with a range of symptoms, most commonly characterized by pain in the right lower quadrant, nausea, and fever. The inflammation of the appendix often causes pain that starts around the umbilical area and then localizes to the right lower quadrant. Nausea frequently accompanies the pain due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diarrhea is generally not associated with appendicitis; instead, most patients may experience constipation or difficulty passing gas. While variations in presentation exist, especially in different populations or situations (such as children or the elderly), diarrhea does not align with the classic symptomatology of acute appendicitis.

Therefore, recognizing that nausea, right lower quadrant pain, and fever are hallmark symptoms of appendicitis helps clarify why diarrhea is not typically observed in this condition.