What positions palpate the spleen?

What positions palpate the spleen?

Palpation for splenic enlargement should begin with the patient supine and with knees flexed. Using the right hand, the examiner should begin well below the left costal margin and feel gently but firmly for the splenic edge by pushing down, then cephalad, then releasing (Figure 150.1).

At which vertebral level is the spleen?

The average position is at the level of the lower third of the tenth thoracic vertebra. Piersol places the highest point of the spleen at the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra, whereas Joessel places it at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra.

How do you assess your spleen?

Technique

1. Start in RLQ (so you don’t miss a giant spleen).
2. Get your fingers set then ask patient to take a deep breath.
3. When patient expires, take up new position.
4. Note lowest point of spleen below costal margin, texture of splenic contour, and tenderness.
5. If spleen is not felt, repeat with pt lying on right side.

Is it possible to palpate deep to the spleen?

You should try to palpate spleen by superficial palpation and not deep palpation. Splenic tip is just hugging anterior abdominal wall.

Is the spleen palpable?

The normal spleen is usually not palpable, although it can sometimes be palpated in adolescents and individuals with a slender build. However, an enlarged or palpable spleen is not necessarily of clinical significance.

How can you tell the difference between the spleen and kidney on palpation?

1. kidney is BALOTTABLE, spleen is NOT.
2. NOTCH ON ANTERIOR BORDER – palpable in spleen, not in kidney.
3. spleen enlarges diagonally towards RLQ, while the kidney enlarges inferiorly.
4. kidney can be resonant to percussion (d/t overlying bowel), spleen should be DULL.
5. UPPER EDGE of spleen NOT palpable, upper edge of kidney is.

Is the spleen normally palpable?

Do you feel spleen pain in your back?

You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back.

When is spleen palpable?

Clinically, if a spleen is palpable (felt via external examination), it means it is enlarged as it has to undergo at least twofold enlargement to become palpable. However, the tip of the spleen may be palpable in a newborn baby up to three months of age.

What are symptoms of spleen problems?

Symptoms

• Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder.
• A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach.
• Low red blood cells (anemia)
• Frequent infections.
• Bleeding easily.