What it means
A landmark found by drawing an imaginary line from the bony point at the front of the right hip (the anterior superior iliac spine) to the navel; the point lies one-third of the way along it from the hip. It lies over the usual position of the appendix, so tenderness here is a classic finding in appendicitisuh-pen-dih-SY-tisInflammation of the appendix, the small pouch that hangs from the start of the large intestine.append/o appendix-itis inflammationFull entry . It is named after Charles McBurney, an American surgeon.
For the nurse
Press the painful area last when assessing the abdomen. Report rising pain, fever, or pain that suddenly eases (which can mean the appendix has burst), and do not apply heat or give laxatives or enemas to a client with suspected appendicitis.
At a glance
| Also written | McBurney's point |
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Related terms
appendix
A small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine, in the lower right abdomen.
appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, the small pouch that hangs from the start of the large intestine.
Blumberg sign
Abdominal pain that is worse when pressure is suddenly released than when it is applied.
obturator sign
Pain in the lower abdomen when the client's bent right hip and knee are rotated inward.
psoas sign
Lower abdominal pain when the right thigh is stretched backward or lifted against resistance.