College

Which sign is most indicative of a splenic injury in a pediatric patient?

A. Grey Turner's sign (flank bruising)
B. Kehr's sign (left shoulder pain)
C. Battle's sign (bruising behind the ears)
D. Cullen's sign (periumbilical bruising)

Answer :

Final answer:

The most indicative sign of a splenic injury in a pediatric patient is Kehr's sign, characterized by left shoulder pain. This occurs due to the irritation of the diaphragm and is a significant clinical finding. Other signs mentioned are less specific to splenic injuries.


Explanation:

Signs of Splenic Injury in Pediatric Patients

In pediatric patients, splenic injury, often resulting from trauma, can show specific signs. Out of the options provided, the most indicative sign of a splenic injury is Kehr's sign, which manifests as pain in the left shoulder. This occurs due to irritation of the diaphragm from blood or fluid that collects in the peritoneal cavity, often related to a splenic injury.

Here's a brief overview of the signs mentioned:

  • Grey Turner's sign: Flank bruising indicative of retroperitoneal hemorrhage but is less specific to splenic injury.
  • Kehr's sign: Left shoulder pain, directly associated with splenic injury.
  • Battle's sign: Bruising behind the ears, usually associated with skull fractures.
  • Cullen's sign: Periumbilical bruising, indicating intra-abdominal bleeding but not specific to the spleen.

In conclusion, the presence of left shoulder pain, or Kehr's sign, is a classic symptom seen in cases of splenic injury in pediatric patients, making it the most relevant sign among the given options.


Learn more about splenic injury here:

https://brainly.com/question/44388346