Which sign is RLQ pain produced by applying pressure to the LLQ in suspected appendicitis?

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Multiple Choice

Which sign is RLQ pain produced by applying pressure to the LLQ in suspected appendicitis?

Rovsing's sign is the finding where RLQ pain is produced when the LLQ is palpated. This happens because applying pressure in the left lower quadrant irritates the peritoneum and often causes referred pain to the right lower quadrant, which is typical in acute appendicitis. It’s a supportive sign, though not perfectly specific, and is most useful when considered with the overall clinical picture, labs, and imaging. The other signs reflect different anatomical irritations: Psoas sign involves RLQ pain with extension of the right hip, suggesting irritation of the iliopsoas muscle often with a retrocecal appendix; Murphy’s sign is an inspiratory arrest with palpation of the gallbladder area, indicating cholecystitis; Obturator sign is RLQ pain with internal rotation of a flexed right hip, pointing to pelvic or obturator involvement.

Rovsing's sign is the finding where RLQ pain is produced when the LLQ is palpated. This happens because applying pressure in the left lower quadrant irritates the peritoneum and often causes referred pain to the right lower quadrant, which is typical in acute appendicitis. It’s a supportive sign, though not perfectly specific, and is most useful when considered with the overall clinical picture, labs, and imaging.

The other signs reflect different anatomical irritations: Psoas sign involves RLQ pain with extension of the right hip, suggesting irritation of the iliopsoas muscle often with a retrocecal appendix; Murphy’s sign is an inspiratory arrest with palpation of the gallbladder area, indicating cholecystitis; Obturator sign is RLQ pain with internal rotation of a flexed right hip, pointing to pelvic or obturator involvement.

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