Which finding indicates an enlarged liver?

Which finding indicates an enlarged liver?

• A. Constipation
• B. Hepatomegaly
• C. Flatulence
• D. Draping the patient

Answer: (B)

The main idea is recognizing signs of a larger-than-normal liver. The term for an enlarged liver is hepatomegaly, and it’s identified when the liver edge is felt below the right costal margin or when the liver span is increased on exam. In practice, you’d have the patient take a deep breath while palpating up along the right rib cage to feel the liver edge, or you’d assess liver dullness with percussion to estimate its size. Constipation and flatulence are related to gas and stool movement in the intestines, not changes in liver size. Draping the patient is a technique used during exams for modesty and positioning, not a sign of liver enlargement. So hepatomegaly best fits the finding described.

The main idea is recognizing signs of a larger-than-normal liver. The term for an enlarged liver is hepatomegaly, and it’s identified when the liver edge is felt below the right costal margin or when the liver span is increased on exam. In practice, you’d have the patient take a deep breath while palpating up along the right rib cage to feel the liver edge, or you’d assess liver dullness with percussion to estimate its size.

Constipation and flatulence are related to gas and stool movement in the intestines, not changes in liver size. Draping the patient is a technique used during exams for modesty and positioning, not a sign of liver enlargement. So hepatomegaly best fits the finding described.