FAU Advanced Health Assessment 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Unilateral abdominal pain is characteristic of ovarian torsion because the condition involves the rotation of the ovary around its supporting ligaments, which leads to compromised blood flow and subsequent ischemia. This pain typically presents suddenly and can be quite severe, often localized to the side where the affected ovary is located.

In the case of ovarian torsion, the pain can sometimes be associated with nausea and vomiting, and it often worsens with movement. The unilateral nature of the pain helps differentiate it from other conditions that may present with abdominal pain, as both severe back pain and bilateral flank pain can be indicators of other issues such as kidney stones or musculoskeletal problems rather than a specific gynecological emergency. The presence of a persistent low-grade fever may suggest infection rather than torsion and is not a hallmark sign of this condition. Thus, the characteristic nature of the pain associated with ovarian torsion specifically aligns with unilateral abdominal pain.