Percussion of the kidney yields a dull thud with no pain. Which conclusion is MOST consistent?

• A. The kidneys have calculi
• B. The patient has a kidney transplant
• C. The kidneys are healthy
• D. The kidneys are distended

Answer: (C)

A non-tender, dull percussion over the kidney area signals that there is no inflammation, obstruction, or enlargement affecting the kidney. When the kidney is healthy, percussion creates a dull sound due to its density, but without any pain or tenderness the body isn’t reacting to inflammation or distension. So this finding fits a normal, healthy kidney.

If there were kidney stones, you'd expect pain or tenderness during percussion. A transplanted kidney would bring a different clinical context and possible exam signs. Distended or enlarged kidneys typically accompany tenderness or abnormal percussion due to fluid buildup or mass effect.