What does a positive Murphy's sign indicate?

What does a positive Murphy's sign indicate?

• A. Pain with palpation of the gallbladder
• B. Asymmetrical enlargement of the uterus
• C. RLQ pain with hip extension
• D. Dull sound over the spleen

Answer: (A)

A positive Murphy's sign indicates pain with palpation of the gallbladder, which is a clinical finding associated with cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. When a healthcare provider palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen during an examination and the patient experiences sudden pain or tenderness, it suggests that the gallbladder is inflamed or diseased. The positive Murphy's sign is thus a valuable tool in assessing gallbladder health and can guide further diagnostic testing, such as ultrasound or other imaging studies. Regarding the other choices, asymmetrical enlargement of the uterus relates more to conditions such as fibroids or pregnancy complications, rather than gallbladder issues. RLQ pain with hip extension is more representative of appendicitis and not associated with Murphy's sign. Finally, a dull sound over the spleen could be indicative of splenic enlargement or other issues, but it does not relate to the assessment of the gallbladder.

A positive Murphy's sign indicates pain with palpation of the gallbladder, which is a clinical finding associated with cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. When a healthcare provider palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen during an examination and the patient experiences sudden pain or tenderness, it suggests that the gallbladder is inflamed or diseased. The positive Murphy's sign is thus a valuable tool in assessing gallbladder health and can guide further diagnostic testing, such as ultrasound or other imaging studies.

Regarding the other choices, asymmetrical enlargement of the uterus relates more to conditions such as fibroids or pregnancy complications, rather than gallbladder issues. RLQ pain with hip extension is more representative of appendicitis and not associated with Murphy's sign. Finally, a dull sound over the spleen could be indicative of splenic enlargement or other issues, but it does not relate to the assessment of the gallbladder.