Murphy's sign is indicative of which condition?

Murphy's sign is a clinical indicator used primarily in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. This sign is elicited during a physical examination when the clinician palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen while asking the patient to take a deep breath. A positive Murphy's sign occurs when the patient experiences pain or stops inhaling due to discomfort when the gallbladder descends during inspiration, indicating inflammation or irritation, typically associated with cholecystitis.

This finding is significant because it points directly to gallbladder pathology, particularly under conditions where gallstones or biliary obstruction cause acute inflammation. Therefore, confirmation of acute cholecystitis may warrant further imaging or interventions, making the recognition of Murphy's sign essential in acute care settings.

In relation to the other options, hepatitis does not specifically elicit Murphy's sign; instead, it typically presents with generalized jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort without the localized pain on inspiration. In cases of pancreatitis, the pain is often more diffuse and may be associated with rebound tenderness or guarding but does not typically invoke a positive Murphy's sign. Lastly, peptic ulcer disease can cause epigastric pain but, again, lacks the characteristic response associated with Murphy's sign in