CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which finding during percussion would suggest splenomegaly?

1. Percussion changes from tympany to dull over the right midaxillary line.

2. Percussion changes from dull to tympany from left anterior axillary line to left sternal border.

3. Percussion changes from tympany to dull over the left anterior axillary line.

4. Percussion changes from dull to tympany over the left anterior axillary line to left sternal border.

The correct answer is: Percussion changes from dull to tympany over the left anterior axillary line to left sternal border.

Percussion findings that suggest splenomegaly typically involve a shift from tympanic sounds (which are indicative of air-filled structures) to dullness, which indicates the presence of solid tissue or fluid. In the situation of splenomegaly, the spleen, which is located in the left upper quadrant, becomes enlarged and therefore produces a dull sound when percussed. The correct answer reflects that there is a transition from tympany to dullness over the left anterior axillary line to the left sternal border, which is consistent with an enlarged spleen. This shift in percussion note is a strong indicator that the spleen has grown to a size where it occupies more space within the thoracic cavity. This change is significant because a healthy spleen would typically not produce dullness in this area during percussion; instead, it should remain tympanic due to the absence of fluid or solid mass. Identifying this change during a physical examination helps healthcare professionals assess the possibility of conditions that may lead to splenomegaly, such as infections, liver diseases, or hematologic disorders.