What does Murphy's sign indicate during a physical examination?

Murphy's sign is a clinical indicator used during a physical examination that specifically suggests the presence of cholecystitis, which is the inflammation of the gallbladder. When eliciting this sign, the clinician asks the patient to take a deep breath while palpating the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, where the gallbladder is located. A positive Murphy's sign occurs when the patient experiences pain and abruptly stops inhaling due to that pain, indicating irritation or inflammation in the area.

This sign is particularly important in diagnosing acute cholecystitis, often caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct, which leads to swelling and potential infection. The presence of significant tenderness and the patient's reaction during the examination are strong indicators of gallbladder involvement.

Understanding Murphy's sign helps differentiate cholecystitis from other abdominal conditions, as the other options pertain to different areas and causes of abdominal pain, making their evaluation and presentation distinct from that of cholecystitis. Therefore, recognizing Murphy's sign enhances the clinician's ability to identify and treat this specific condition effectively.