Which sign should be assessed first when suspecting appendicitis?

When suspecting appendicitis, assessing McBurney's point tenderness is crucial because it provides a direct indication of inflammation in the appendix. McBurney's point is located in the right lower quadrant, approximately one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. Tenderness at this point is a classic sign of acute appendicitis and indicates irritation of the peritoneum covering the appendix.

Recognizing the significance of this sign early in the assessment can lead to a more timely diagnosis and intervention. While other signs like the psoas sign, Rovsing's sign, and the obturator sign can also suggest appendicitis, they are generally less specific than McBurney's point tenderness. This makes the latter a more primary focus when first assessing a patient suspected of having appendicitis. Prompt identification of this sign can support clinical decision-making regarding further diagnostic testing and potential surgical intervention.