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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.