Test: Rebound Tenderness Test

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Background/Purpose

Procedure

Examiner slowly depresses the abdominal wall for 15-30 and then quickly releases the pressure. The test is considered positive for peritonitis if there was more pain with quick release than gradual pressure. The consensus opinion on this test is that it is better to use gentle percussion which causes less pain and yields similar results. The sensitivity for this test is around 80% but the specificity is 40-50%. It is non-discriminatory for cholecystitis.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Examiner slowly depresses the abdominal wall for 15-30 and then quickly releases the pressure. Non specific sign for presence of peritonitis.

Criteria

• No pain with quick release of pressure.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail