Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Shigellosis physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Patients with shigellosis usually appear lethargic. Physical examination of patients with shigellosis is usually remarkable for diffuse abdominal tenderness in more than 70% of cases and fever in approximately 25% to 40% of cases. Less commonly, physical examination is remarkable for signs of dehydration, such as hypotension, tachycardia, and dry mucous membranes.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
General Appearance
- Lethargic
- Toxic-appearing
Vital Signs
Vital signs are generally within normal limit, but patients with severe disease and dehydration may have the following vital signs derangements:
Skin
- Poor skin turgor
HEENT
- Conjunctival pallor
- Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
- Xerostomia (dry oral mucous membranes)
Abdomen
- Distended bowels
- Hyperactive bowel sounds
- Diffuse abdominal tenderness on light palpation. Abdominal tenderness may be more prominent in lower abdominal quadrants due to involvement of the distal sigmoid colon and/or rectum.
Vascular
- Flat jugular vein
- Prolonged capillary refill time
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Yazan Daaboul; Serge Korjian