When a patient stiffens the muscles of the abdomen, what is this called?

• A. Guarding
• B. Distention
• C. Instability
• D. Crepitus

Answer: (A)

Guarding is the protective tensing of the abdominal wall in response to pain or inflammation. When a patient stiffens the muscles of the abdomen, this is guarding—the body's way of shielding internal organs from irritation or injury. It often accompanies abdominal pain and peritoneal irritation, and can be a sign clinicians look for in evaluating abdominal issues.

Distention refers to an enlarged or bloated abdomen from gas, fluid, or mass, not muscle contraction. Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation under the skin from air in tissues or joints. Instability isn’t a specific sign of abdominal muscle guarding.