Murphy’s sign is seen in
**Core Concept**
Murphy's sign is a clinical finding used to assess for gallbladder disease, specifically cholecystitis. It is a crucial component of the physical examination for patients presenting with right upper quadrant abdominal pain.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
When performing Murphy's sign, the patient is asked to take a deep breath and exhale while the examiner applies gentle pressure to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort upon inspiration, it suggests inflammation of the gallbladder, as the inflamed gallbladder irritates the underlying peritoneum. This response is often due to the contraction of the gallbladder during inspiration, which exacerbates the inflammation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Murphy's sign is not specific to gallstones, as it can be seen in other conditions such as pancreatic inflammation or liver disease.
**Option B:** Murphy's sign is not a radiological finding, but rather a clinical examination technique used to assess for gallbladder disease.
**Option C:** Murphy's sign is not a diagnostic criterion for acute appendicitis, although both conditions can present with right lower quadrant pain.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that Murphy's sign is a non-specific finding and should be used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings to diagnose gallbladder disease. A positive Murphy's sign in the absence of other symptoms may not necessarily indicate gallbladder disease.
**Correct Answer: C. Murphy's sign is seen in conditions other than gallstones.**