Question

The nurse practitioner suspects acute appendicitis. She preforms Rovsing's sign to confirm diagnosis. How is this performed?

a. Palpation between the superior iliac crest and umbilicus in the RLQ.
b. Inward rotation of the right hip
c. Patient raises right leg against the pressure of the nurse practitioners hand
d. Deep palpation of LLQ, resulting in pain to the RLQ

Answer 1

Rovsing's sign is confirmed by deep palpation of the LLQ, causing referred pain in the RLQ, suggesting acute appendicitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse practitioner performs Rovsing's sign to confirm a diagnosis of acute appendicitis by conducting deep palpation of the lower left quadrant (LLQ) of the abdomen, resulting in referred pain to the right lower quadrant (RLQ). If the patient experiences pain in the RLQ upon palpation of the LLQ, this is considered a positive Rovsing's sign, which is indicative of appendicitis. Rovsing's sign is a physical examination technique used to confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It involves palpation of the left lower quadrant (LLQ) of the abdomen, which can cause pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) if the appendix is inflamed. Option d, deep palpation of the LLQ resulting in pain to the RLQ, correctly describes how Rovsing's sign is performed.