Feb 8, 2018 · When the manoeuvre is done in a patient with abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, and the test elicits tenderness or sudden pain at the site, then the test is called positive or Murphy’s …

If the patient stops breathing in (as the gallbladder is tender and, in moving downward, comes in contact with the examiner's fingers) and winces with a "catch" in breath, the test is considered positive.

Jun 4, 2024 · Positive Murphy’s sign A positive Murphy’s sign means that a person feels pain in their gallbladder when the organ contacts the healthcare professional’s hand during a breath.

A “positive Murphy’s Sign” is a sudden, sharp pain that causes the patient to abruptly stop inhaling, often called an “inspiratory arrest.” This reaction occurs as the inflamed gallbladder descends with the …

A positive Murphy's sign occurs when the patient experiences pain or tenderness severe enough to cause an abrupt halt in inspiration, usually toward the end of the breath.

Several studies have shown that the presence of Murphy's sign is highly sensitive (97.2%) and predictive (93.3%) of a positive diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in most patients.

The sign is elicited by palpating the costal margin while the patient is in expiration and then asking them to take a deep breath. A positive Murphy sign is defined as pain on inspiration while palpating the …

Jun 16, 2025 · A positive Murphy's sign indicates acute cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder typically caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct.

Positive: The patient experiences pain/tenderness sufficient to cause an abrupt halt in inspiration (normally occurs toward the end of inspiration) and acute cholecystitis is suspected. Negative: The …

Nov 17, 2025 · The primary significance of a positive Murphy’s Sign is its strong association with acute cholecystitis, the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder. This condition is most often triggered when …