Overview
This video demonstrates how to assess for costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness, a clinical sign commonly checked when kidney infection is suspected.
Purpose of CVA Tenderness Assessment
- CVA tenderness is used to help identify potential kidney infections.
- Kidney infection causes inflammation, making the kidneys sensitive to gentle percussion.
Steps for Assessing CVA Tenderness
- Locate the 12th (last) rib on the patient’s back.
- Identify the costovertebral angle, which is between the spine and the 12th rib.
- Position your hand over the angle, where the left and right kidneys are located.
- Use your other hand to make a fist and gently thump over your placed hand.
- Ask the patient if they feel any pain during the procedure.
- Repeat the procedure on both sides (left and right).
Interpreting Results
- If the patient experiences pain during percussion, this may suggest a kidney infection.
- Absence of pain indicates no CVA tenderness detected.
Recommendations / Advice
- Always ask the patient about pain response during the assessment.
- Positive CVA tenderness should prompt further medical evaluation for kidney infection.