Question

When conducting palpation during a physical examination, any area of tenderness is:

A) Normal and expected
B) A sign of strong abdominal muscles
C) A potential indication of an underlying issue
D) A reassuring sign of good health

Answer 1

Tenderness detected during palpation in a physical examination is a potential indication of an underlying issue and not a sign of good health.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a physical examination, palpation is a technique used by healthcare providers to assess the abdomen and other parts of the body by feeling for masses, organ size and position, and tenderness. The presence of tenderness upon palpation can be a potential indication of an underlying issue such as inflammation, infection, or trauma to the abdominal organs. For clarity and precision in diagnosis, the abdomen is often divided into either nine regions or four quadrants. This division helps healthcare providers specify the exact location of tenderness, thus aiding in the identification of the potential underlying health issues.