What it means
Also called the Blumberg sign. The examiner presses slowly and deeply on the abdomen and then lifts the hand away quickly; a sharp increase in pain on release is a positive sign. It points to irritation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, as 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 or peritonitispair-ih-tuh-NY-tisInflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the inside of the belly and covers the organs there.peritone/o peritoneum-itis inflammationFull entry .
For the nurse
This test is usually done by the provider and hurts, so it is not repeated without need. Report a client whose abdominal pain is getting worse, especially with fever or a rigid abdomen, and keep them NPO until the provider decides.
Related terms
appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, the small pouch that hangs from the start of the large intestine.
peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the inside of the belly and covers the organs there.