Tenderness is always what?

Tenderness is always what?

• A. Normal
• B. Expected
• C. Abnormal
• D. Variable

Answer: (C)

Tenderness on palpation signals tissue irritation or inflammation, not a normal finding. In a healthy, uncomplicated state, touching tissues should be non-tender. Because tenderness points to an underlying issue such as injury, infection, inflammation, or organ pathology, it is considered abnormal. There can be benign transient soreness after exertion, but as a general rule in exam contexts, new or persistent tenderness is treated as abnormal and warrants further evaluation.

Tenderness on palpation signals tissue irritation or inflammation, not a normal finding. In a healthy, uncomplicated state, touching tissues should be non-tender. Because tenderness points to an underlying issue such as injury, infection, inflammation, or organ pathology, it is considered abnormal. There can be benign transient soreness after exertion, but as a general rule in exam contexts, new or persistent tenderness is treated as abnormal and warrants further evaluation.