Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Bruising in the flank and groin area, indicative of retroperitoneal bleeding, is known as what?

1. Grey-Turner's sign

2. Cullen's sign

3. Kernig's sign

4. Welch's sign

The correct answer is: Grey-Turner's sign

The identification of bruising in the flank and groin area as Grey-Turner's sign is correct because this sign specifically indicates retroperitoneal bleeding. Grey-Turner's sign is characterized by the development of discoloration or bruising along the sides (flank areas) and sometimes extending into the groin. This phenomenon occurs due to the tracking of blood from the retroperitoneum to the skin, indicating potential serious underlying conditions such as a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm or trauma. Cullen's sign, on the other hand, refers to periumbilical bruising, which is associated with intraperitoneal bleeding, not retroperitoneal. Kernig's sign is a clinical test used to assess for meningitis, indicated by pain when the leg is lifted while the patient is lying down. Welch's sign does not relate to the signs of bleeding or bruising and is not widely recognized in this context. Each of these signs serves a different purpose in clinical assessment, but in this case, Grey-Turner's sign is specifically related to the bruising pattern indicative of retroperitoneal bleeding.