Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When assessing acute pain in the left lower quadrant of a young female's abdomen, which quadrant should you palpate first?

1. Left lower quadrant

2. Left upper quadrant

3. Right upper quadrant

4. Right lower quadrant

The correct answer is: Right lower quadrant

In the assessment of abdominal pain, it is important to begin palpation away from the area of pain. This approach allows the provider to gauge the patient's tolerance to pressure and identify any rebound tenderness, which could indicate an underlying condition like appendicitis or another intra-abdominal issue. When the focus of the pain is in the left lower quadrant, starting the examination in the right lower quadrant is prudent. This is because palpating in this quadrant first not only helps to avoid causing additional discomfort but also allows for the assessment of potential referred pain or other issues related to the appendix, which is located in the right lower quadrant. If tenderness or abnormalities are found in the right lower quadrant, this could provide valuable clinical information regarding the nature of the overall abdominal pain. After assessing the right lower quadrant, the examination can proceed to the left lower quadrant, where further detailed palpation can be conducted, especially since it is the area of primary concern. This systematic approach enhances the overall assessment and contributes to more accurate clinical findings.