What does a positive Murphy's sign indicate during an abdominal examination?

A positive Murphy's sign is indicative of cholecystitis, which is the inflammation of the gallbladder often due to gallstones. During an abdominal examination, the Murphy's sign is assessed by asking the patient to take a deep breath while the examiner applies pressure to the right upper quadrant, specifically over the gallbladder area. If the patient experiences pain and pauses their inspiration due to this discomfort, it suggests the presence of gallbladder inflammation.

This clinical test is particularly relevant for diagnosing acute cholecystitis as the inflammation and irritation of the gallbladder often lead to increased sensitivity and localized pain. The presence of this sign allows healthcare providers to form a more definitive diagnosis and consider further imaging or treatment, such as surgical intervention, if necessary.