After sigmoidoscopy, which manifestation indicates a possible perforation?

After sigmoidoscopy, which manifestation indicates a possible perforation?

• A. Headache
• B. Abdominal guarding
• C. Concentrated urine
• D. Inelastic skin turgor

Answer: (B)

Perforation after sigmoidoscopy presents with signs of peritoneal irritation, and abdominal guarding is a classic response to that irritation. When a perforation allows content and air to enter the peritoneal cavity, the peritoneum becomes inflamed, causing severe abdominal pain. The body reflexively tenses the abdominal muscles to protect the irritated lining, which shows up as guarding. This is a red flag for a potentially serious complication requiring prompt assessment and intervention. Headache, concentrated urine, and inelastic skin turgor point to other issues (nonspecific symptoms, dehydration) and do not reflect peritoneal irritation from a perforation.

Perforation after sigmoidoscopy presents with signs of peritoneal irritation, and abdominal guarding is a classic response to that irritation. When a perforation allows content and air to enter the peritoneal cavity, the peritoneum becomes inflamed, causing severe abdominal pain. The body reflexively tenses the abdominal muscles to protect the irritated lining, which shows up as guarding. This is a red flag for a potentially serious complication requiring prompt assessment and intervention.

Headache, concentrated urine, and inelastic skin turgor point to other issues (nonspecific symptoms, dehydration) and do not reflect peritoneal irritation from a perforation.