What does a positive sign during the Heel Tap Test suggest?

A positive sign during the Heel Tap Test indicates pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen when the heel is tapped or jostled. This reaction is significant in the clinical evaluation for appendicitis, especially if the patient exhibits tenderness in that area. The test essentially assesses for peritoneal irritation, which is often present in cases of appendicitis.

In this context, the other options do not align with the indication of the Heel Tap Test. For instance, the presence of an umbilical hernia is not typically associated with a positive Heel Tap Test; rather, it focuses on physical protrusions. Fluid in the abdominal cavity, indicative of conditions like ascites, would present differently and would require other examination techniques rather than a heel tap. Similarly, an enlargement of the liver is evaluated through different clinical signs and imaging, rather than a heel tap response.