Final answer:
A ruptured spleen in a child may present with symptoms such as Kehr's sign, which includes pain in the left upper abdomen and shoulder, as well as other signs like a distended abdomen, anemia, and edema. Swollen lymph nodes, irritability, and vomiting are also indicative of serious medical issues requiring immediate attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured spleen in a child can include sudden pain in the left upper abdomen that may radiate to the left shoulder (known as Kehr's sign), indicative of internal bleeding. This pain can be due to pressure on the diaphragm, as the spleen is located just inferior to the diaphragm. When there's a rupture, blood can fill the abdominal cavity, which may lead to a distended abdomen, a sign of liver and blood vessel damage, potentially due to various infections, such as with schistosome parasites.
In addition, symptoms may also include excessive crying, irritability, and vomiting. These symptoms, alongside swelling in the lymph nodes, and any signs of anemia, edema, or an enlarged spleen are serious and prompt medical attention is required. A ruptured spleen can lead to life-threatening complications, signaling the importance of urgent care.