In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

Last week a 12-year-old boy came to the doctor's office complaining of severe abdominal pains and nausea.

He was diagnosed with appendicitis, requiring the removal of his appendix. The boy's medical chart indicates that he was diagnosed with situs inversus, a condition in which the organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities are reversed from left to right. He has returned to the office for suture removal and bandage change.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. On what side of the body is the appendix normally located?

2. If the medical assistant observes the boy's right lower abdominal quadrant for the bandage, is this correct? Why or why not?

3. Where should the bandage be found?

4. What precautions should this patient take given his diagnosis of situs inversus?