What condition is indicated by a positive Murphy’s sign during a physical examination?

What condition is indicated by a positive Murphy’s sign during a physical examination?

• A. Appendicitis
• B. Cholecystitis
• C. Pancreatitis
• D. Hepatitis

Answer: (B)

A positive Murphy's sign during a physical examination is specifically associated with cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder. This sign is elicited by having the patient take a deep breath while the examiner palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences a sharp increase in pain and suspends inspiration due to this pain, it indicates an acute condition related to the gallbladder. This response is indicative of inflammation, which aligns with cholecystitis. In contrast, while conditions like appendicitis, pancreatitis, and hepatitis can cause abdominal pain, they are not characterized by the positive Murphy's sign. Appendicitis typically generates tenderness in the lower right quadrant, pancreatitis can cause pain that radiates to the back, and hepatitis can lead to various symptoms including liver discomfort but does not specifically present with the Murphy's sign. Therefore, the presence of this sign pinpoints cholecystitis as the condition indicated.

A positive Murphy's sign during a physical examination is specifically associated with cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder. This sign is elicited by having the patient take a deep breath while the examiner palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences a sharp increase in pain and suspends inspiration due to this pain, it indicates an acute condition related to the gallbladder. This response is indicative of inflammation, which aligns with cholecystitis.

In contrast, while conditions like appendicitis, pancreatitis, and hepatitis can cause abdominal pain, they are not characterized by the positive Murphy's sign. Appendicitis typically generates tenderness in the lower right quadrant, pancreatitis can cause pain that radiates to the back, and hepatitis can lead to various symptoms including liver discomfort but does not specifically present with the Murphy's sign. Therefore, the presence of this sign pinpoints cholecystitis as the condition indicated.