Which of the following statements regarding rebound tenderness is correct?

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.