Rebound tenderness is defined as:

Rebound tenderness is defined as:

• A. Pain on touch
• B. Pain on release of pressure (peritoneal irritation)
• C. Pain that occurs after meals
• D. Pain in the lower back

Answer: (B)

Rebound tenderness signals irritation of the peritoneum. It shows up when you press firmly on a tender area of the abdomen and then quickly release. If the patient experiences a sharp, new pain as the pressure is removed, that’s rebound tenderness. The sharp pain on release is due to the peritoneum being irritated and sensitive to sudden movement or stretch as you withdraw the hand. This finding points to an acute abdominal process with peritoneal irritation, such as appendicitis or other kinds of peritonitis. It’s not about pain on touch, nor pain related to meals, nor pain in the lower back.

Rebound tenderness signals irritation of the peritoneum. It shows up when you press firmly on a tender area of the abdomen and then quickly release. If the patient experiences a sharp, new pain as the pressure is removed, that’s rebound tenderness. The sharp pain on release is due to the peritoneum being irritated and sensitive to sudden movement or stretch as you withdraw the hand. This finding points to an acute abdominal process with peritoneal irritation, such as appendicitis or other kinds of peritonitis. It’s not about pain on touch, nor pain related to meals, nor pain in the lower back.