Diagnostic Signs and Tests

Diagnostic Signs/Tests

• Allen's Test: Assesses arterial blood supply to the hand. A positive test indicates inadequate blood supply. Block both radial and ulnar arteries until skin is pale, then release ulnar. If hand turns pink, ulnar artery is working.
• Cullen's Sign: Internal hemorrhage causing bruising around the umbilical region, often seen in pancreatitis.
• Turner's Sign: Internal hemorrhage causing bluish discoloration on the flanks, often seen in pancreatitis.
• Murphy's Sign: Pain upon palpating the gallbladder area, indicative of cholecystitis.
• McBurney's Point: Right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain indicative of appendicitis. Left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain may indicate diverticulitis; ensure the patient hasn't ingested seeds, nuts, or peas. RLQ pain can also suggest appendicitis; assess for peritonitis.
• Guthrie Test: Neonatal heel prick to test for Phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Babinski Sign: Assesses nervous system function by stimulating the bottom of the foot. Negative: toes curl inwards. Normal in adults and children over 2 years, while abnormal in younger children. Positive: toes fan outwards. Abnormal in adults and children over 2 years, but normal in children under 2 years.
• Beck's Triad: Indicates cardiac tamponade – hypotension, jugular venous distention (JVD), muffled heart sounds.
• Halo Sign: Fluid from head injury often contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and glucose, appears as concentric rings (bloody circle with yellow border).
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography): Procedure to examine diseases of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. NPO prior to procedure. Assess gag reflex and for signs of perforation post-procedure.
• Additional Notes: If chest pain is unrelieved by nitroglycerin, call 911 immediately. Keep medications in original containers and away from light. CT scan is the definitive diagnostic test for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

This quiz covers essential diagnostic signs and tests in medicine, including assessments for various conditions such as pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and appendicitis. Understand the significance of signs like Allen's Test, Cullen's Sign, and Murphy's Sign. Test your knowledge on these critical medical assessments!