RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 314 of 2368

During palpation, the nurse finds that the client's abdominal muscles contract involuntarily and the client cannot control it. Which condition does this finding suggest?

  1. Anxiety about the examination
  2. Touch from cold hands
  3. Inflammation of the peritoneum
  4. Fear of being touched
Show answer

Correct answer: Inflammation of the peritoneum

Rigidity is an involuntary reflex from peritoneal inflammation. Guarding is voluntary and results from fear, anxiety, or cold hands.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Abdominal Assessment: Palpation. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026