What sign indicates pain with palpation of the right upper quadrant during inspiration, suggesting cholecystitis?

• A. McBurney's sign
• B. Murphy's sign
• C. Rebound tenderness
• D. Psoas sign

Answer: (B)

Murphy's sign is an important clinical indicator used in the diagnosis of cholecystitis. This sign is assessed during a physical examination, where the physician or healthcare provider palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen while the patient takes a deep breath. If the patient experiences pain and momentarily stops inhaling because of that pain, this is considered a positive Murphy's sign, suggesting inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly due to cholecystitis.

This sign is significant because it specifically correlates with the gallbladder's location and its inflammatory processes. In contrast, McBurney's sign pertains to appendicitis and involves tenderness in the right lower quadrant. Rebound tenderness is typically associated with peritoneal irritation rather than isolated gallbladder issues, and the psoas sign is indicative of irritation of the iliopsoas muscle, often related to appendicitis or other retroperitoneal conditions. Therefore, Murphy's sign is the most relevant for assessing potential gallbladder disease.