Which physical examination finding is typical in appendicitis?

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McBurney's Point tenderness is a hallmark physical examination finding in cases of appendicitis. This point is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, roughly one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. When the appendix, which is located in the right lower quadrant, becomes inflamed and irritated—typical of appendicitis—pressure on this specific area will elicit pain.

The identification of tenderness at McBurney's Point is significant because it correlates with inflammation of the appendix, helping clinicians establish a diagnosis of appendicitis. This finding is widely recognized in medical practice and is one of the components of a physical exam that guides further diagnostic testing and potential surgical intervention.

Other options reflect different clinical findings that are not typically associated with appendicitis. Left flank pain and right upper quadrant tenderness may suggest issues related to other organs, such as kidney problems or gallbladder conditions, while costovertebral angle tenderness is indicative of kidney-related issues, not appendicitis. Thus, McBurney's Point tenderness serves as a clear and direct physical examination indicator for suspected appendicitis.

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