Gastrointestinal System Disorders Q 107

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While palpating a female client’s right upper quadrant (RUQ), the nurse would expect to find which of the following structures?

  

    A. Sigmoid colon

    B. Appendix

    C. Spleen

    D. Liver

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Liver

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The RUQ contains the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of the pancreas, hepatic flexure of the colon, portions of the ascending and transverse colon, and a portion of the right kidney. Begin palpation over the right lower quadrant, near the anterior iliac spine. Palpate for the liver with one or two hands palm down moving upward 2-3 cm at a time towards the lower costal margin.

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Option A: The sigmoid colon is located in the left lower quadrant. The 40cm long sigmoid colon is located in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, extending from the left iliac fossa to the level of the S3 vertebra.

Option B: The appendix is located in the right lower quadrant. The appendix sits at the junction of the small intestine and large intestine. It’s a thin tube about four inches long. Normally, the appendix sits in the lower right abdomen.

Option C: The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant. The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left side of the abdomen, next to the stomach and behind the left ribs. It’s an important part of the immune system, but one can survive without it.

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