Author Question: When palpating the abdomen of a 20-year-old patient, the nurse notices the presence of tenderness in ... (Read 61 times)

tiara099 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

When palpating the abdomen of a 20-year-old patient, the nurse notices the presence of tenderness in the left upper quadrant with deep palpation. Which of these structures is most likely to be involved?

a. Spleen
b. Sigmoid colon
c. Appendix
d. Gallbladder

Question 2

A 45-year-old man is in the clinic for a physical examination. During the abdominal assessment, the nurse percusses the abdomen and notices an area of dullness above the right costal margin of approximately 11 cm. The nurse should:

a. Document the presence of hepatomegaly.
b. Ask additional health history questions regarding his alcohol intake.
c. Describe this dullness as indicative of an enlarged liver, and refer him to a physician.
d. Consider this finding as normal, and proceed with the examination.

Li Jun · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The gallbladder is in the right upper quadrant, the sigmoid colon is in the left lower quadrant, and the appendix is in the right lower quadrant.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A liver span of 10.5 cm is the mean for males and 7 cm for females. Men and taller individuals are at the upper end of this range. Women and shorter individuals are at the lower end of this range. A liver span of 11 cm is within normal limits for this individual.