Where should percussion of the liver start?

The appropriate location to begin percussion of the liver is just below the umbilicus. This area allows the healthcare provider to effectively assess for the lower border of the liver. By starting this percussion below the umbilicus, clinicians can identify changes in sound that indicate the presence of the liver, as normal liver tissue will produce a dull sound due to its solid structure, while other abdominal organs will produce different sounds.

Starting percussion at this point is important for assessing liver enlargement or identifying potential pathological conditions, such as hepatomegaly. Additionally, this method aligns with anatomical landmarks that facilitate a systematic approach to abdominal examination, ensuring that the provider can accurately determine the liver’s size and borders. Other options, such as beginning percussion at higher points or on the left side, do not provide an effective starting point for identifying the liver's position.