Pain after release of hand pressure during palpation of a patient's abdomen is called what?

• A. Abdominal guarding
• B. Rebound tenderness
• C. Shifting dullness
• D. Diaphragmatic compensation

Answer: (B)

Rebound tenderness is the sign you’re looking for when pain appears after you suddenly release pressure from the abdomen. It points to irritation of the peritoneum, meaning there’s likely intra-abdominal inflammation or injury such as peritonitis or a perforated viscus. The test works by pressing in slowly to detect tenderness, then quickly lifting off; if the patient experiences sharp pain as you release, that’s rebound tenderness.

This differs from abdominal guarding, which is the patient’s muscles tensing to protect the area during palpation rather than a pain reaction specifically to releasing pressure. The other options aren’t about this response: shifting dullness checks for ascites, and diaphragmatic compensation relates to breathing mechanics, not a peritoneal irritation sign.