What physical examination technique is used to confirm ascites in a patient with cirrhosis presenting with abdominal pain?

Testing for shifting dullness is a physical examination technique that helps confirm the presence of ascites, specifically in the context of liver cirrhosis. When ascites is present, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, leading to a change in sound when percussing the abdomen.

In this technique, the clinician places the patient in a supine position and percusses the abdomen from the midline outward to the flank. In areas where fluid is present, dullness to percussion will be noted, while areas where gas-filled bowel is present will produce tympany. By having the patient then shift to one side, the examiner can percuss again and observe a shift from tympanic sound to dullness on the dependent side, confirming the presence of fluid.

This technique is particularly useful because it is both quick and non-invasive, allowing for immediate assessment of ascites.

While testing for fluid wave is also a recognized method for confirming ascites, it is more about assessing the movement of fluid rather than the shift of dullness. Palpating the abdomen for masses may help detect other conditions or complications associated with cirrhosis but does not specifically confirm the presence of fluid. Auscultating for bowel sounds examines gut motility, which