Ballottment and Bulge Sign Procedures

How do you test single ballotment sign?

Push inward at a 90-degree angle. If the object is freely movable, it will float upward to touch the fingertips.

How do you test bulge sign? (4)

Stroke the medial side of the knee with a relaxed hand and fingers, moving fluid away from that area Place one hand on the spot right above the kneecap Gently press or stroke the lateral side of the knee If there is fluid, then a wave/bulge will be visible on the medial side of the knee

What is the ballottment sign?

palpation technique used to assess an organ or mass Palpation of the belly where you can actually feel an organ or tumor that isn't tied down by pressing on it; if the organ/mass floats back up, positive ballotment sign

How do you test bimanual ballotment sign?

put a hand above and below; push with the hand above, and try to reach the hand below

What is the bulge sign?

recognizes fluid in the knee disrupting the patella bone