Murphy's sign is indicative of which condition?

• A. Appendicitis
• B. Pancreatitis
• C. Gallbladder inflammation
• D. Kidney stones

Answer: (C)

Murphy's sign indicates inflammation of the gallbladder, typically acute cholecystitis. The test is performed by palpating the right upper quadrant beneath the liver edge while the patient takes a deep breath. If the inflamed gallbladder is irritated by the palpation and the patient abruptly stops inhaling due to sharp pain, the sign is considered positive. This occurs because the inflamed gallbladder is distended and irritated, so when the diaphragm moves down during inspiration it presses the gallbladder against the examiner's fingers, creating pain. This finding points to gallbladder inflammation rather than other abdominal conditions: appendicitis usually presents with right lower quadrant pain, pancreatitis pain is typically epigastric and not specifically triggered by RUQ palpation, and kidney stones cause flank or groin pain rather than a RUQ inspiratory arrest.