What it means
When pressure on the left side pushes gas and contents toward the right, a sore, inflamed area on the right hurts. It is one of the classic exam findings in appendicitis. It is named after Thorkild Rovsing, the Danish surgeon who described it in 1907.
For the nurse
Report a positive sign with fever, nausea and belly pain. Do not give laxatives or enemas or apply heat to the abdomen when appendicitis is possible.
At a glance
| Also written | Rovsing's sign, Rovsing’s sign |
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