New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Bruising to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen is most indicative of an injury to which organ?

1. Liver

2. Spleen

3. Kidney

4. Stomach

The correct answer is: Liver

Bruising to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen is most indicative of an injury to the liver due to the anatomical position and significance of this organ. The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, making it vulnerable to blunt trauma, which can result in bruising in this area. An injury to the liver may not always present with immediate symptoms, but the presence of bruising can suggest a more serious underlying condition, such as a liver laceration or hematoma. This is particularly relevant in settings of trauma, as the liver is a highly vascular organ and can bleed significantly when injured. The other organs listed, such as the spleen, kidney, and stomach, are located in different regions of the abdomen. The spleen is generally found in the left upper quadrant, the kidneys are positioned in the posterior part of the abdomen on both sides, and the stomach is predominantly in the left upper quadrant. Therefore, bruising in the right upper quadrant is specifically indicative of potential liver involvement rather than injury to these other organs.