Abdominal Exam

Question 1

What is the name of the sugical procedure where the abdomen is opened?

Answer 1

Laprotomy

Question 1

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary guarding?

Answer 1

Voluntary guarding is tensing of the abdominal muscles in response to pressure due to pain

Involuntary guarding is permanent, protective abdominal muscle contraction

Question 3

What are the 6 “F’s” of abdominal distention?

Answer 3

Fat

Flatus

Faeces

Fluid

Foetus

Frightfully big tumour

Question 4

What special physical signs are looked for in appendicitis?

Answer 4

Rovsing’s sign - Pain > in RIF than LIF when the LIF is pressed

Psoas sign - Pain on extending R hip while the patient lies on left (if retrocaecal appendix)

Cope/Obturator sign - pain on flexion and internal rotation of R hip if appendix in close relation to obturator internus