Spleen-the spleen is usually well protected by the 9th through 12th ribs on the left side. but, if one or more of these ribs gets fractured, the spleen is the first organ to be ruptured. the spleen can also be damaged if there is blunt trauma to the abdomen or a sudden increase in intraabdominal pressure. this patient has several symptoms of a ruptured spleen-she has tenderness on the left posterior axillary line and hypotension. (because of its spongy parenchyma and thin capsule, a ruptured spleen will bleed profusely and a patient may become hypotensive.) the stomach, splenic flexure of the colon, tail of the pancreas, left kidney, and suprarenal gland are in the same quadrant of the abdomen, and they are also at risk for injury. but, you should remember that the spleen is at greatest risk because of its close relationship with the 9th through 12th ribs.
