peritoneal signs
Physical examination findings indicating peritoneal irritation, including rebound tenderness, guarding, and rigidity.
Full Definition
Peritoneal signs are clinical manifestations of peritoneal inflammation or irritation that emergency surgeons assess during physical examination. These include voluntary and involuntary guarding, rebound tenderness (Blumberg's sign), abdominal rigidity, and percussion tenderness. The presence of peritoneal signs often indicates the need for urgent surgical intervention, particularly in cases of perforation, bleeding, or infection within the peritoneal cavity. These findings are critical in determining the urgency and approach for emergency abdominal surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Document specific signs observed rather than using the general term alone.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited classic peritoneal signs with marked rebound tenderness and guarding." — Emergency consultation note
- "Absence of peritoneal signs helped rule out perforation in this patient with abdominal pain." — Clinical assessment