What is the significance of an abdomen that presents with guarding

A year-old man is admitted to the emergency department complaining of pain in the umbilical region that moves to the right iliac fossa. Which is a corroborative sign of acute appendicitis? The other signs are corroborative of appendicitis. Hyperesthesia is a useful sign provided that it is performed objectively. The area of hyperesthesia is a triangular area base placed upward in the right lower abdomen. This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over.

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Reference Manager. Autosuggest Results. Jump to a Section. Download Section PDF. Pop-up div Successfully Displayed This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Please Wait. Percuss as you move your hand downward and note the sound change as you transition from lung resonant to liver dull.

Continue until the sound changes again after the inferior margin of the liver. Liver scratch test The stethoscope is placed below the xiphoid and the midclavicular line is scratched with a fingernail.

A scratch can only be distinctly heard over the liver. The liver scratch test is generally more accurate than percussion. Normal findings : : The normal craniocaudal liver size is 7— In most patients, the liver is fully covered by the ribs. Can be caused by various conditions, including malignancy , infection, or venous congestion.

Procedure: With a lubricated, gloved finger, palpate the anal canal and rectum. Assess anal sphincter tone and the size and consistency of the prostate. Normal findings: There should be no palpable masses.

The prostate should be rubbery and non-tender. Differential diagnoses of abdominal pain Common causes of abdominal pain based on location Abdominal pain Right-sided Center Left-sided Upper abdomen Gastric ulcer Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis Cholangitis Choledocholithiasis Duodenal ulcer Portal vein thrombosis Hepatitis e.

References Bickley L. Updated: September 1, Accessed: January 10, Causes of abdominal pain in adults. In: Post TW, ed. Last updated: November 2, Accessed: January 18, Sokol HN. Preventive care in adults: Recommendations. The location of pain depends on the location of the organ causing the problem. Your stomach is divided into four sections called quadrants. For instance, stomach ulcers can cause pain in the upper left quadrant of your abdomen.

Abdominal pain can also travel to other areas of the abdomen. Appendicitis can start as lower right quadrant pain , but the pain can move toward your belly button. One of the most common abdominal causes of rigidity is appendicitis. The causes of abdominal pain — and rigidity — can be different based on age. Adults, primarily older adults, may experience:. Abdominal rigidity is usually a medical emergency. Severe symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening situation include:.

If you have involuntary abdominal rigidity, you should see a doctor right away to rule out serious problem. Something as minor as a stomach virus could cause guarding.

It will alter the pain pattern and make it more difficult for your doctor to diagnose your condition. Your doctor will also want to know any other symptoms you have and when you last ate, in case you need surgery. The first step in finding the cause of abdominal rigidity is to discuss your medical history. A physical exam will usually reveal the cause. Your doctor may also order blood tests, including:. Additional tests may include abdominal X-rays to evaluate for obstruction or perforation, or an abdominal CT scan.

The treatment your doctor chooses will depend on the cause of the abdominal rigidity. For example, treatment for colic in an infant will be different than treatment for cancer.

Untreated causes of abdominal rigidity can be life-threatening. Abdominal infection can cause bacteria to enter the blood. This can cause your blood pressure to fall dangerously low, resulting in shock.