Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which muscle test is performed to evaluate for acute appendicitis?

1. Cholecystitis

2. Acute appendicitis

3. Inguinal hernia

4. Gastric ulcer

The correct answer is: Acute appendicitis

Evaluating for acute appendicitis often includes specific physical examination techniques, one of which is the assessment of tenderness in the right lower quadrant or other related muscle tests, such as the psoas sign. The psoas sign tests for irritation of the psoas muscle, which can occur with inflamed appendices that are in close proximity to this muscle. Acute appendicitis is characterized by inflammation of the appendix, and the related symptoms often include abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant. In this case, the identification of acute appendicitis through appropriate muscle tests plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, making it essential for a healthcare provider to recognize and conduct these evaluations effectively. In contrast, while cholecystitis, inguinal hernia, and gastric ulcers involve different pathophysiological processes and commonly present with their own unique signs and symptoms, they do not specifically correlate with the muscle tests used to assess for acute appendicitis. Each of these conditions has its distinct evaluation criteria and typical examinations, underscoring the importance of understanding how specific muscle tests link to particular diagnoses.