Which signs are typical of peritonitis?

Which signs are typical of peritonitis?

• A. Rigidity and involuntary guarding
• B. Hypoactive bowel sounds
• C. Jaundice
• D. Bruising

Answer: (A)

Peritonitis irritates the peritoneum, causing the abdominal wall to reflexively tighten in response to painful inflammation. That reflex results in a rigid, board-like abdomen and involuntary guarding—signs you can often feel or observe on examination. They’re the most characteristic indicators of peritoneal irritation in an acute abdomen. While reduced or absent bowel sounds can occur if an ileus develops with peritonitis, they’re not as specific as the marked rigidity and guarding. Jaundice and bruising don’t typically reflect peritoneal inflammation itself; jaundice points to liver or biliary problems, and bruising suggests trauma or other processes. So the standout signs are the rigid abdomen with involuntary guarding.

Peritonitis irritates the peritoneum, causing the abdominal wall to reflexively tighten in response to painful inflammation. That reflex results in a rigid, board-like abdomen and involuntary guarding—signs you can often feel or observe on examination. They’re the most characteristic indicators of peritoneal irritation in an acute abdomen. While reduced or absent bowel sounds can occur if an ileus develops with peritonitis, they’re not as specific as the marked rigidity and guarding. Jaundice and bruising don’t typically reflect peritoneal inflammation itself; jaundice points to liver or biliary problems, and bruising suggests trauma or other processes. So the standout signs are the rigid abdomen with involuntary guarding.