Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

The nurse observes the physician palpating the abdomen of a client that is suspected of having acute appendicitis. When the abdomen is pressed in the left lower quadrant the client complains of pain on the right side. What does the nurse understand this assessment technique is referred to?

  • A. Referred pain
  • B. Rebound pain
  • C. Rovsing sign
  • D. Cremasteric reflex
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When an examiner deeply palpates the left lower abdominal quadrant and the client feels pain in the right lower quadrant, this is referred to as a positive Rovsing sign and suggests acute appendicitis. Referred pain indicates pain in another area but is not necessarily manipulated by the examiner. Rebound pain is indicated when the pain of palpation is worse when the pressure is off the site. The cremasteric reflex is a superficial reflex that is present in male clients.