Which term best describes the feeling of pain when pressure is suddenly removed?

• A. Rebound tenderness
• B. Chronic pain
• C. Acute pain
• D. Neuropathic pain

Answer: (A)

Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign that indicates the presence of inflammation in the abdominal cavity. It specifically refers to the pain experienced when pressure is suddenly released from an area that had been pressed. This often occurs during a physical examination, where the examiner applies firm pressure to the abdomen and then quickly releases it. If the patient feels increased pain upon release, it is termed rebound tenderness, which may suggest conditions such as appendicitis or peritonitis.

The other terms have different meanings: chronic pain refers to pain that lasts for an extended period, acute pain is a sudden onset of pain often associated with injury or illness, and neuropathic pain arises from nerve damage, usually described as burning or tingling rather than a response to pressure. Thus, rebound tenderness is the correct term specifically describing the sensation when pressure is released.