Contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles to ease pain is called?

Contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles to ease pain is called?

• A. Referring.
• B. Guarding.
• C. Withdrawing.
• D. Flexing.

Answer: (B)

The contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles to ease pain is referred to as guarding. This physiological response often occurs when a person experiences abdominal pain or discomfort; the body instinctively tightens the muscles in the affected area to protect it from further injury or irritation. Guarding can be a protective mechanism that allows a person to maintain some level of comfort despite the presence of pain, and it can also indicate to healthcare providers that there may be an underlying issue that requires further assessment. In contrast, referring typically involves directing pain or discomfort to another area, which does not capture the action of muscle tension in the abdomen. Withdrawing can indicate a behavioral response to avoid pain, but it is not specifically related to the tensing of muscles. Flexing, while it involves muscle contraction, usually refers to the act of bending or tightening muscles in general rather than the protective context of guarding against pain. Thus, guarding is the term that accurately describes the tensing of the abdominal muscles in response to pain.

The contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles to ease pain is referred to as guarding. This physiological response often occurs when a person experiences abdominal pain or discomfort; the body instinctively tightens the muscles in the affected area to protect it from further injury or irritation. Guarding can be a protective mechanism that allows a person to maintain some level of comfort despite the presence of pain, and it can also indicate to healthcare providers that there may be an underlying issue that requires further assessment.

In contrast, referring typically involves directing pain or discomfort to another area, which does not capture the action of muscle tension in the abdomen. Withdrawing can indicate a behavioral response to avoid pain, but it is not specifically related to the tensing of muscles. Flexing, while it involves muscle contraction, usually refers to the act of bending or tightening muscles in general rather than the protective context of guarding against pain. Thus, guarding is the term that accurately describes the tensing of the abdominal muscles in response to pain.