Gastrointestinal Signs & Tests Flashcards

Study Notes

McBurney's Point

Located 2 inches from the anterior superior iliac spine towards the umbilicus.
Localized tenderness at this point is a clinical indicator of appendicitis.

Murphy's Sign

Evaluates for possible cholecystitis.
Conducted by placing fingers under the right costal margin while the patient takes a deep breath.
A sudden increase in tenderness and a halt in inspiration indicate a positive Murphy's sign.

Obturator Muscle Test

Aims to exclude appendicitis.
The test stretches the internal obturator muscle, which may become irritated if the appendix is inflamed.
Involves flexing the patient's thigh at the hip with a bent knee and then internally rotating the leg.

Psoas Sign

Another test for excluding appendicitis.
Performed with the patient lying down: push against the right knee as the patient lifts it, activating the psoas muscle.
Alternatively, can stretch the psoas muscle by having the patient extend the right leg while lying on the left side.
Tenderness in either method suggests irritation of the psoas muscle due to an inflamed appendix.

Rovsing's Sign

Used to assess appendicitis.
While the patient is lying down, applying firm pressure to the left lower quadrant (LLQ) can cause pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ).
Positive Rovsing's sign is indicated by this transfer of pain.

Description

Explore the essential gastrointestinal signs including McBurney's Point and Murphy's Sign through these flashcards. This quiz helps reinforce your understanding of the tests used in diagnosing conditions like appendicitis and cholecystitis.