What are classic signs of peritonitis?

Classic signs of peritonitis include abdominal pain that is often severe, accompanied by abdominal rigidity and guarding. Rigidity refers to a stiffened abdomen that results from the involuntary contraction of abdominal muscles as a response to irritation of the peritoneum. Guarding occurs when a patient tenses their abdominal muscles when a practitioner palpates the area, indicating discomfort or pain. These signs suggest irritation and inflammation of the peritoneal lining, which characterizes peritonitis.

The absence of bowel sounds can also be indicative of peritonitis. When the peritoneum is inflamed, bowel motility can decrease, sometimes leading to the cessation of bowel sounds, reflecting an acute abdominal condition requiring prompt medical attention.

In contrast, the other options highlight different clinical presentations that do not align with the characteristic signs typically seen in peritonitis. For example, abdominal pain with distention and increased bowel sounds usually points towards an obstruction rather than peritoneal irritation. Fever and chills with pleuritic pain are more consistent with respiratory issues, while a palpable mass in the lower abdomen could suggest a mass lesion or other intra-abdominal pathology rather than peritonitis itself. Understanding these signs is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of patients presenting with abdominal complaints.