Which of the following statements regarding rebound tenderness is correct?
A. It should be assessed for by vigorously palpating the abdomen.
B. Rebound tenderness is a specific sign found with a spleen injury.
C. It is often discovered when the patient is jarred or moved suddenly.
D. The absence of rebound tenderness rules out intra-abdominal injury.
Answer: C. It is often discovered when the patient is jarred or moved suddenly.
The physician can determine if the patient is suffering from peritoneal inflammation or irritation by a carotid rub test or the application of the finger on the abdomen. This is further represented by rebound tenderness which can arise from intra-abdominal conditions such as appendicitis, peritonitis, and bowel perforation. It originates when, after a gentle pressure applied to the abdomen, suddenly it is released, and the surrounding inflamed peritoneal tissue move immediately causing a patients rapid and sharp pain. Unfortunately, rebound tenderness is not characteristic of specific organ injuries, and it’s existence or absense cannot be the criterion of diagnosis or suspicion of intra-abdominal damage. The yielding patient is one of the signs to be taken into consideration when a further diagnostic evaluation and management need to be made.