What does Murphy's sign indicate when pain is present in the right upper quadrant?

What does Murphy's sign indicate when pain is present in the right upper quadrant?

• A. Pancreatitis
• B. Hepatitis
• C. Gallbladder infection
• D. Kidney stones

Answer: (C)

Murphy's sign is a clinical indication used primarily in the evaluation of conditions affecting the gallbladder. When a healthcare provider performs this maneuver during a physical examination, they palpate the right upper quadrant while asking the patient to take a deep breath. If the patient experiences pain and suddenly stops inhaling due to discomfort, this positive sign typically indicates inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly seen in conditions such as cholecystitis (gallbladder infection) or gallbladder disease. In the context of right upper quadrant pain, recognizing Murphy's sign is essential for diagnosing gallbladder-related issues. This sign helps differentiate gallbladder problems from other potential causes of abdominal pain, since other conditions, like pancreatitis or hepatitis, may not elicit the same response during palpation. Understanding the specificity of Murphy's sign in relation to gallbladder inflammation reinforces its significance in clinical assessments for patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain.

Murphy's sign is a clinical indication used primarily in the evaluation of conditions affecting the gallbladder. When a healthcare provider performs this maneuver during a physical examination, they palpate the right upper quadrant while asking the patient to take a deep breath. If the patient experiences pain and suddenly stops inhaling due to discomfort, this positive sign typically indicates inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly seen in conditions such as cholecystitis (gallbladder infection) or gallbladder disease.

In the context of right upper quadrant pain, recognizing Murphy's sign is essential for diagnosing gallbladder-related issues. This sign helps differentiate gallbladder problems from other potential causes of abdominal pain, since other conditions, like pancreatitis or hepatitis, may not elicit the same response during palpation. Understanding the specificity of Murphy's sign in relation to gallbladder inflammation reinforces its significance in clinical assessments for patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain.