Palpate around the umbilicus: A positive sign indicates which condition?

• A. Increased pain on rebound
• B. Lateral abdominal pulsations
• C. Nausea
• D. Bulges, nodules, and/or irregularities

Answer: (D)

Palpating around the umbilicus is about checking the integrity of the abdominal wall and looking for protrusions. A positive finding here is a bulge, nodules, or irregularities, which usually point to a hernia or another abdominal wall mass at the umbilical region. This happens when a loop of intestine or other tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, often becoming more evident with tightening of the abdominal muscles or with standing and coughing.

In contrast, tenderness upon quick release (rebound) signals peritoneal irritation somewhere in the abdomen, not a localized wall abnormality. Nausea is a symptom rather than a sign detected by palpation. Lateral abdominal pulsations suggest a vascular issue such as an aneurysm, not a localized umbilical wall problem.