Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Rovsing's sign is associated with which medical condition?

1. An acute abdomen, such as during a ruptured appendix

2. Knee instability

3. Damage to the meniscus of the knee

4. Acute cholelithiasis

The correct answer is: An acute abdomen, such as during a ruptured appendix

Rovsing's sign is a physical examination finding used in the assessment of appendicitis. It occurs when palpation of the left lower quadrant of the abdomen elicits pain in the right lower quadrant, which suggests irritation of the peritoneum and is indicative of appendiceal inflammation. This sign is particularly relevant in cases of an acute abdomen, specifically when a patient is suspected to have a ruptured appendix, as it indicates the possible spread of inflammation from the appendix, which is located in the right lower quadrant. The presence of this sign supports the diagnosis of appendicitis, making it a critical aspect of the physical examination in patients presenting with abdominal pain.