Test: Cough Test - Abdomen

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Background/Purpose

Procedure

Patient is instructed to cough. If the cough causes a sharp localized pain it is indicative of peritonitis. Other positive signs include grimacing, flinching or moving the hands towards the abdomen. The test is considered 79% sensitive and 78% specific for peritonitis by Bennett and colleagues and better results for appendicitis and peritonitis by Jeddy. There are also cough tests to test for venous insufficiency and interthecal irritation(radicular symptoms). This test localizes to the area being assessed.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Patient is instructed to cough. Flinching, grimace, or touching the abdomen is considered a failing test.

Criteria

• Patient coughs without pain.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail