Which of the following findings does NOT support a diagnosis of appendicitis?

In the context of diagnosing appendicitis, the presence of certain symptoms is typically indicative of the condition, while others may suggest that appendicitis is less likely. Normal bowel habits do not support a diagnosis of appendicitis because, generally, patients with appendicitis may experience changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vomiting, nausea, and fever are common symptoms associated with appendicitis. Vomiting and nausea occur as the body reacts to the inflammation of the appendix, and fever can result from the inflammatory process itself. Therefore, normal bowel habits would not correlate with the typical presentation of appendicitis, making it the choice that does not support the diagnosis.