Question

A nurse assesses a patient with abdominal pain. On deep palpation over the painful site, the nurse observes that the patient experiences pain upon withdrawal of the palpating fingers. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?

Answer 1

Rebound tenderness is likely present when a patient experiences pain upon withdrawal of palpating fingers, which may indicate peritonitis or appendicitis. The abdominal region is divided into regions or quadrants for precise localization of pain. History, exposure risks, and other conditions are considered for diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient experiences pain upon the withdrawal of palpating fingers during an abdominal assessment, the condition most likely being indicated is referred to as rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness can be a sign of peritonitis or inflammation of the peritoneum, which is often associated with conditions such as appendicitis.

The division of the abdomen into nine regions or four quadrants helps healthcare providers localize and communicate the precise location of the pain or suspicious mass. A patient might also experience referred pain, which is pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus, due to the network of interconnecting sensory nerves.

Conditions like appendicitis, urinary tract infections (UTI), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and complications from surgeries such as a cholecystectomy, can cause rebound tenderness and are typically explored further through the patient's symptoms and medical history.

Additionally, the presence of cysts in organs like the liver, or inflammatory processes, can cause abdominal pain and should be considered based on the patient's symptoms and possible exposure risks during recent travels or medical procedures.