Your patient complains of severe right lower quadrant abdominal pain. To assess the patient for peritoneal inflammation, the examiner should:
A. Percuss the right lower quadrant of the abdomen
B. Deeply palpate the right lower quadrant of the abdomen
C. Auscultate the right lower quadrant for hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Strike the plantar surface of the patient's heel while the patient is supine
ANS: D
Ask the patient to stand with straight legs and to raise up on toes. Then ask the patient to relax, allowing the heel to strike the floor, thus jarring the body. A positive heel strike is indicative of appendicitis and peritoneal irritation. Alternatively, strike the plantar surface of the heel with your fist while the patient rests supine on the examination table.
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