While conducting an abdominal assessment, the nurse percusses a dull sound below the tenth rib at the left midaxillary line. What should the nurse suspect is occurring with this patient?

Question

Select all that apply.

1. cancer
2. hemophilia
3. viral infection
4. blood dyscrasia
5. bacterial infection

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4
A palpable spleen in the left upper abdominal quadrant of an adult may indicate abnormal enlargement (splenomegaly) and may be associated with cancer, blood dyscrasia, or viral infection, such as mononucleosis. Hemophilia is a genetic illness associated with abnormalities in the clotting mechanism. A palpable spleen is not associated with bacterial infection.