Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What does a positive Markle test indicate?

1. Normal abdominal function

2. Possible appendicitis

3. Presence of a tumor

4. Cholecystitis

The correct answer is: Possible appendicitis

A positive Markle test, also known as the heel-drop test, is a clinical maneuver used to assess for potential appendicitis in a patient. When performing this test, the patient stands on their toes and then drops down quickly to their heels. If this action causes pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, it may indicate irritation of the peritoneum, which is often associated with appendicitis. This test is particularly useful in assessing young patients who may not be able to articulate their symptoms clearly or in situations where time is of the essence in diagnosing appendicitis. A positive result does not definitively diagnose appendicitis, but it does raise suspicion and often necessitates further evaluation, such as imaging studies or surgical consultation. The other options do not directly correlate with a positive Markle test. Normal abdominal function would not produce any pain during this test. A tumor may cause abdominal pain, but the Markle test specifically evaluates for signs of appendicitis. Cholecystitis symptoms typically arise from other types of maneuvers and would not specifically result in a positive Markle test. Thus, the most relevant interpretation of a positive test outcome is its association with possible appendicitis.