Organ-Specific Palpation

Question 1

Liver

Answer 1

• Purpose: Detect hepatomegaly or abnormal liver edge.
• Technique:
  o Place fingers in RUQ; press during inspiration to feel the edge.
• Findings:
  o Normal: Non-palpable or smooth edge.
  o Abnormal: Hard or nodular edge may indicate liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma).

Question 2

Gallbladder

Answer 2

• Purpose: Detect cholecystitis.
• Technique: Assess Murphy’s Sign:
  o Palpate under the liver edge during inspiration.
  o Positive sign: Pain halts inspiration, indicating gallbladder inflammation.

Question 3

Spleen

Answer 3

• Purpose: Detect splenomegaly.
• Technique:
  o Palpate LUQ; spleen must be 2-3 times enlarged to be palpable.
• Differential:
  o Differentiate enlarged spleen (splenomegaly, smooth, moves with respiration) from an enlarged kidney (does not move with respiration).

Question 4

Kidneys

Answer 4

• Purpose: Identify renal enlargement or abnormalities.
• Technique:
  o Use bimanual palpation: One hand in the flank, the other anteriorly.
• Findings:
  o Note size, consistency, and irregularities.
  o Masses may suggest hydronephrosis, renal tumors, or polycystic kidney disease.