Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

During the examination of a patient with suspected appendicitis, which sign is typically assessed?

1. McBurney’s point tenderness

2. Hirsutism

3. Hepatosplenomegaly

4. Barrel chest

The correct answer is: McBurney’s point tenderness

In the assessment of a patient with suspected appendicitis, McBurney’s point tenderness is a key sign that healthcare providers look for. This point is located one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus, and tenderness here is indicative of inflammation of the appendix. When a patient presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, particularly if it starts near the belly button and then moves to the right lower quadrant, the assessment of tenderness at McBurney’s point can help confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis. The tenderness arises as the inflamed appendix irritates the surrounding peritoneum, making this sign highly relevant in a clinical examination for appendicitis. Other options, such as hirsutism, hepatosplenomegaly, and barrel chest, are not directly related to appendicitis. Hirsutism pertains to excessive hair growth and is more associated with hormonal imbalances. Hepatosplenomegaly points to enlargement of the liver and spleen often seen in systemic diseases or infections but is not typically involved in appendicitis. Barrel chest is a characteristic shape often seen in chronic respiratory conditions and does not have relevance in an appendicitis assessment. Thus, McBurney