In which quadrant would you most likely palpate for the spleen?

In which quadrant would you most likely palpate for the spleen?

• A. Right upper quadrant
• B. Left upper quadrant
• C. Right lower quadrant
• D. Left lower quadrant

Answer: (B)

The spleen sits under the left hemidiaphragm in the left upper quadrant, tucked behind the lower ribs. Because of this position, palpation is performed along the left costal margin in the left upper quadrant, typically with the patient taking a deep breath to help move the organ forward and make it easier to feel. A normal spleen is usually not palpable, but if it’s enlarged (splenomegaly), you may detect it below the left costal margin and potentially extending toward the left lower quadrant. When examining, have the patient take a deep breath and gently press with your fingertips from the left costal margin inward and downward. The other quadrants don’t contain the spleen—the right upper quadrant houses the liver, while the left and right lower quadrants contain portions of the colon and other structures—so palpation for the spleen is most likely in the left upper quadrant.

The spleen sits under the left hemidiaphragm in the left upper quadrant, tucked behind the lower ribs. Because of this position, palpation is performed along the left costal margin in the left upper quadrant, typically with the patient taking a deep breath to help move the organ forward and make it easier to feel. A normal spleen is usually not palpable, but if it’s enlarged (splenomegaly), you may detect it below the left costal margin and potentially extending toward the left lower quadrant. When examining, have the patient take a deep breath and gently press with your fingertips from the left costal margin inward and downward. The other quadrants don’t contain the spleen—the right upper quadrant houses the liver, while the left and right lower quadrants contain portions of the colon and other structures—so palpation for the spleen is most likely in the left upper quadrant.