What does CVAT stand for in medical assessments?

Costovertebral angle tenderness (CVAT) is an important clinical assessment used primarily in the evaluation of kidney and urinary tract conditions. The costovertebral angle refers to the area located on the lower back, where the ribs meet the spine. When a healthcare provider performs a CVAT examination, they typically tap gently on the area with the fist. If the patient experiences pain or tenderness in response, it can indicate potential issues such as kidney stones, pyelonephritis, or other renal conditions.

The other choices refer to various assessments or techniques, but they do not accurately match the established meaning of CVAT in medical practice. For instance, cervical vertebral angle test is not a recognized clinical term, cardiovascular assessment test pertains to heart conditions, and cranial volume assessment technique relates to measurements in neuroimaging or pediatric care, none of which reflect the specific evaluation for kidney-related tenderness that CVAT represents.