Which sign is associated with ruptured spleen?

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Multiple Choice

Which sign is associated with ruptured spleen?

When the spleen ruptures, blood can irritate the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve carries that diaphragmatic irritation to the shoulder area, producing referred pain in the left shoulder. This left shoulder pain is a classic sign (Kehr’s sign) of splenic rupture. While pain in the left upper abdomen can occur with splenic injury, the left shoulder pain is the more specific and telling sign of rupture. Fever and nausea are nonspecific and can accompany many conditions, so they’re not as indicative of splenic rupture.

When the spleen ruptures, blood can irritate the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve carries that diaphragmatic irritation to the shoulder area, producing referred pain in the left shoulder. This left shoulder pain is a classic sign (Kehr’s sign) of splenic rupture. While pain in the left upper abdomen can occur with splenic injury, the left shoulder pain is the more specific and telling sign of rupture. Fever and nausea are nonspecific and can accompany many conditions, so they’re not as indicative of splenic rupture.

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