HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

Blumberg's sign, also known as rebound tenderness, is a clinical test that is commonly used to assess for appendicitis. This test involves pressing down on the abdomen and then quickly releasing it. If the patient experiences pain upon the release of pressure, it suggests irritation of the peritoneum, which can occur in appendicitis. This is significant in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, as it points towards inflammation in the abdominal cavity, particularly the appendix.

While Murphy's sign is used primarily to assess gallbladder inflammation, and the iliopsoas muscle test is indicative of issues with the appendix particularly in a retrocecal position, Blumberg's sign directly evaluates for peritoneal irritation, making it a key sign in the evaluation of appendicitis. Testing for fluid wave is generally employed to assess for ascites or fluid in the abdominal cavity and does not apply to appendicitis assessment.