Signs

Question 1

Carnett’s Sign

Answer 1

Indicates that the source of abdominal pain comes from the abdominal wall and not the intra-abdominal space.

Palpate the area of tenderness deeply, then have the patient tense their abdominal muscles (raising head and shoulders off bed or raising legs with knees straight). If the pain remains the same or increases, it’s a positive Carnett’s sign.