Bruising to the right upper quadrant after blunt abdominal trauma most suggests injury to which organ?

Bruising to the right upper quadrant after blunt abdominal trauma most suggests injury to which organ?

• A. Spleen
• B. Pancreas
• C. Liver
• D. Kidney

Answer: (C)

Bruising in the right upper quadrant points to injury of the liver because the liver resides in that region under the right rib cage and is a large, highly vascular organ. A blunt impact can produce contusion or laceration here, leading to bleeding that may manifest as external bruising and potential intra-abdominal bleeding. The spleen sits in the left upper quadrant, the pancreas lies more centrally and retroperitoneal, and the kidneys are posterior and not the primary structure in the RUQ. Thus, RUQ bruising most strongly suggests liver injury. In the field, this finding warrants careful assessment for signs of internal bleeding and prompt transport.

Bruising in the right upper quadrant points to injury of the liver because the liver resides in that region under the right rib cage and is a large, highly vascular organ. A blunt impact can produce contusion or laceration here, leading to bleeding that may manifest as external bruising and potential intra-abdominal bleeding. The spleen sits in the left upper quadrant, the pancreas lies more centrally and retroperitoneal, and the kidneys are posterior and not the primary structure in the RUQ. Thus, RUQ bruising most strongly suggests liver injury. In the field, this finding warrants careful assessment for signs of internal bleeding and prompt transport.