Rebound tenderness is best described as pain that occurs when?

• A. Pain worsens with jarring or release
• B. Pain worsens with palpation at the site
• C. Pain improves with movement
• D. There is no pain on palpation

Answer: (A)

Rebound tenderness reflects irritation of the peritoneum. When you press the abdomen firmly and then release quickly, the tissues abruptly rebound. If this rapid release causes pain, it indicates peritoneal inflammation. This is why the best description is pain that worsens with the jarring or release of pressure, not with the initial touch. Pain upon palpation alone or no pain on palpation points to different findings, and rebound tenderness is a sign of an acute abdominal process where the peritoneum is irritated, such as in inflammation or perforation.