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Chapter 17: Glossary
Abdomen
Ballottement Ballottement is a technique used to assess for the presence of an abdominal mass.
Borborygmus Borborygmus describes loud, audible, gurgling hyperactive bowel sounds that may
be due to hyperperistalsis or flatus in the intestines.
Caput medusae Caput medusae describes the presence of engorged or dilated veins around the
umbilicus, frequently associated with circulatory obstruction of the superior or inferior vena cava.
Cullen's sign Cullen's sign describes a blue tint at the umbilicus that suggests the presence of
blood in the peritoneal cavity.
Cutaneous hypersensitivity Cutaneous hypersensitivity is used to assess for abdominal
inflammation. To perform this technique, you lift a fold of skin away from the underlying muscle
or stimulate the skin with a sterile pin. Peritoneal irritation is present if the patient experiences
severe pain.
Hematemesis The vomiting of blood is known as hematemesis.
Hyperactive bowel sounds The presence of increased or hyperactive bowel sounds is an
abnormal finding that indicates increased bowel motility, possibly due to gastroenteritis, diarrhea,
or laxative use.
Hypoactive bowel sounds The presence of diminished or hypoactive bowel sounds is an
abnormal finding that indicates decreased bowel motility, possibly secondary to peritonitis or
nonmechanical obstruction.
McBurney's point McBurney's point is located in the RLQ of the abdomen. The elicitation of
pain upon palpation at McBurney's point is a positive finding that may indicate appendicitis.
Copyright © 2010 by Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Murphy's sign Murphy's sign is used to assess for cholecystitis. To assess Murphy's sign, palpate
below the liver margin at the lateral border of the rectus muscle. Ask the patient to take a deep
breath. Murphy’s sign is present if the patient complains of pain with palpation.
Obturator sign The obturator sign is used to determine whether the patient is experiencing
appendicitis or a pelvic abscess.
Rebound tenderness Rebound tenderness is seen when, upon palpation, the patient complains of
tenderness or pain as the abdominal wall returns to its normal position. Rebound tenderness may
indicate peritoneal irritation.
Rovsing's sign Rovsing's sign is used to elicit the presence of referred pain, indicative of
peritoneal inflammation secondary to appendicitis. To perform this technique, perform deep
palpation in the LLQ for 5 seconds. A positive Rovsing's sign is present if the patient feels pain in
the RLQ.
Striae Striae develop when there has been rapid or prolonged stretching of the skin, as in
pregnancy or obesity.
Venous hum A venous hum is a continuous, medium-pitched sound that is heard in all four
quadrants.
Copyright © 2010 by Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.