When assessing the abdomen, what is the term for a rigid or stiff abdomen?

The term for a rigid or stiff abdomen is referred to as guarding. Guarding is a protective mechanism of the abdominal muscles in response to pain or inflammation in the abdominal cavity. When palpating a patient's abdomen, if the muscles involuntarily tighten and become rigid upon touch, it indicates that the body is attempting to shield a painful area, often due to conditions such as peritonitis or internal bleeding.

In contrast to guarding, distension refers to an abnormal expansion of the abdomen, often due to fluid, gas, or masses. Rebound tenderness describes the pain that occurs when pressure is released from the abdomen, usually suggesting irritation of the peritoneum. Palpation is a technique used to assess the abdomen but does not specifically denote the rigidity of the abdominal muscles. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective assessment and diagnosis in clinical settings.