Which condition is associated with a positive Murphy's sign?

Prepare for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Test with our quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam today!

A positive Murphy's sign indicates the presence of a gallbladder issue, particularly cholecystitis. This sign is elicited by asking the patient to take a deep breath while you palpate the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences pain and halts inhalation due to discomfort, it suggests inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly associated with cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis generally occurs due to obstructive gallstones, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The positive Murphy's sign is a clinical finding specifically linked to this condition, making it a key indicator for healthcare providers in diagnosing gallbladder-related issues.

Other conditions mentioned, while they may involve abdominal pain, do not typically produce a positive Murphy's sign. Pneumonia may cause referred pain to the abdomen but does not produce this specific finding. Appendicitis is associated with tenderness in the right lower quadrant and does not involve gallbladder assessment. Pancreatitis presents with a different type of pain and has other signs such as tenderness in the epigastric area, but does not elicit a positive Murphy's sign.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy