Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the typical palpability of the spleen in healthy adults?

1. The spleen is generally palpable in most healthy adults

2. The spleen is not palpable in the majority of healthy adults

3. The spleen is always palpable in elderly individuals

4. The spleen is palpable in all individuals

The correct answer is: The spleen is not palpable in the majority of healthy adults

In healthy adults, the spleen is typically not palpable in the majority of individuals. The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen under the ribcage, which provides protection and makes it difficult to feel during a physical examination. In most cases, it can only be felt if it is enlarged due to various conditions such as infections, liver disease, hematologic disorders, or malignancies. Therefore, when assessing a healthy adult, the expectation is that the spleen will not be felt upon palpation, making it a normal finding. Understanding the anatomical position and function of the spleen highlights why its palpability is not a common occurrence in routine examinations for healthy individuals.