Which of the following is true of hepatomegaly?
a) Emphysema is a cause
b) The liver enlarges downwards from the left hypochondrium
c) The presence of jaundice, spider naevi and purpura suggest alcohol as a cause
d) The liver is usually resonant to percussion
Correct answer:
c) The presence of jaundice, spider naevi and purpura suggest alcohol as a cause
Feedback:
Emphysema causes an apparent hepatomegaly rather than a true hepatomegaly because the hyperinflated lung pushes the liver downwards giving the appearance of an enlarged liver. The liver enlarges downwards from the right hypochondrium. The liver is usually dull to percussion.