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Which sign is considered positive when a patient experiences pain in the right lower quadrant upon palpation of the left lower quadrant?

  1. McBurney's sign

  2. Obturator sign

  3. Psoas sign

  4. Rovsing sign

The correct answer is: Obturator sign

The sign that indicates a positive response when a patient experiences pain in the right lower quadrant upon palpation of the left lower quadrant is known as Rovsing's sign. When a clinician palpates the left lower quadrant, it may cause referred pain in the right lower quadrant, suggesting irritation of the peritoneum. This phenomenon occurs typically in cases of appendicitis, where inflammation of the appendix can cause discomfort in the areas adjacent to it. Rovsing's sign is specifically associated with pain elicited in the opposite quadrant, which provides useful diagnostic insight regarding conditions such as appendicitis. Recognizing this sign can help clinicians make prompt decisions regarding further evaluation or surgical intervention.