The patient reports right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain that is worse with coughing. Based on the patient's history, the nurse suspects appendicitis. What additional examination technique does the nurse perform to confirm this suspicion?
A) Placing the hand over the lower right thigh and asking the patient to flex the knee while pushing down on the knee to resist it and noting if the patient complains of pain
B) Palpating deeply a point of the abdomen, located halfway between the umbilicus and the left anterior iliac crest
C) Asking the patient to flex the right hip and knee to 90 degrees, then abducting the leg and noting if the patient complains of pain
D) Pressing down in an area away from the RLQ at a 90-degree angle to the abdomen, then releasing the fingers quickly and noting any complaint of pain

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option D describes rebound tenderness, which is performed to detect peritoneal inflammation. Option A is an incorrect description of the iliopsoas muscle test. Option B is an incorrect description of the testing for McBurney point. McBurney point is located to the right of the umbilicus. Option C is an incorrect description of the obturator muscle test.

The Patient Reports Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) Pain That Is