What does heel tap test help reveal in a patient?

The heel tap test is primarily utilized to assess for abdominal pain, particularly in relation to possible appendicitis. When this test is conducted, a healthcare provider taps the heel of the patient while they are in a supine position. This action can elicit pain in the lower abdomen if there is an underlying issue such as appendicitis.

The rationale behind this is that the jarring motion may aggravate any inflammation in the abdomen, thereby revealing sensitivity that may not be present during a gentle examination. In cases of suspected appendicitis, significant pain following the heel tap can indicate irritation of the peritoneum, which could reflect an inflamed appendix.

Other options relate to different assessments; for example, muscle tenderness may be evaluated through palpation or range of motion tests, while kidney function typically requires urine tests or imaging studies. Assessing spinal injuries involves different physical examination maneuvers focused on the back and neurological assessments. Thus, the heel tap test specifically targets abdominal pain and is a method to explore gastrointestinal issues, making it particularly relevant for conditions like appendicitis.