FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

The Obturator sign helps indicate which type of irritation?

1. Meningeal irritation

2. Peritoneal irritation

3. Osteoarthritis

4. Carpal tunnel syndrome

The correct answer is: Peritoneal irritation

The Obturator sign is specifically used in clinical assessments to indicate peritoneal irritation, particularly related to conditions like appendicitis. This sign is elicited by having the patient flex their hip and knee while the examiner internally rotates the hip. If this maneuver produces pain, it suggests irritation of the obturator internus muscle, which can occur when there is inflammation or infection in the peritoneum adjacent to the muscle. In the context of gastrointestinal pathology, such as appendicitis, the presence of peritoneal irritation can lead to significant discomfort when the muscle is stretched or moved. Therefore, the Obturator sign serves as a valuable indicator in the diagnostic process for abdominal conditions. Understanding the accurate clinical application of various signs, like the Obturator sign, is crucial in distinguishing between different potential sources of abdominal pain, allowing for targeted diagnostics and treatment strategies.