What Causes the Characteristic Rigid Abdomen Found in the Patient

question 27

Multiple Choice

What causes the characteristic rigid abdomen found in the patient with peritonitis?

• A)increased fluid and gas causing abdominal distention
• B)inflammation of the peritoneum and organs causing a firm mass in the abdomen
• C)inflamed peritoneum resulting in reflex abdominal muscle spasm
• D)the patient voluntarily contracts the abdominal muscles as a protective mechanism