Bruising over the right upper quadrant could indicate injury to which of the following?
A. Liver
B. Colon
C. Kidney
D. Appendix
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Liver.
Explanation:
Bruising over the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen is a significant clinical sign that can point to trauma or injury to the structures located in that area. The RUQ contains several important organs, but the most prominent one in this context is the liver.
The liver is situated in the right upper part of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and slightly to the right of the midline. It is the largest internal organ and plays critical roles in metabolism, detoxification, and the production of essential proteins. Because the liver is so close to the surface of the body in the RUQ, it is relatively vulnerable to injury, especially in cases of trauma, such as blunt force injury or a car accident. When the liver sustains an injury, such as a contusion (bruising) or laceration, it can result in bleeding and subsequent bruising visible on the skin in the RUQ.
The other options are less likely to be the primary cause of bruising in the RUQ:
- B. Colon: While the colon is located in the right lower quadrant and parts of the transverse colon can be found in the upper abdominal area, the colon is less likely to be injured in a way that would result in bruising over the RUQ. It is also more prone to issues like colitis or diverticulitis, which do not typically cause external bruising.
- C. Kidney: The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space, which is toward the back of the abdomen. Although kidney injuries can lead to bruising, they typically present with tenderness in the lower back or flank area, not the RUQ. Kidney bruising would be less likely to show in the upper abdomen.
- D. Appendix: The appendix is located in the right lower quadrant, and injury or rupture would cause localized pain in that region, not the upper abdomen. While appendicitis can cause referred pain in the upper abdomen, it wouldn’t cause bruising over the RUQ.
In summary, bruising in the right upper quadrant is most commonly associated with liver injury, especially in the context of trauma or physical impact to the area.