Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Murphy's sign
Pronunciation: MUR-feez
Physical examination finding of inspiratory arrest during palpation of the right upper quadrant. Classic sign of acute cholecystitis requiring emergency evaluation.
Full Definition
A clinical sign elicited during physical examination where the patient experiences sharp pain and involuntarily stops inspiration when the examiner palpates the right subcostal region during deep inspiration. Named after American surgeon John Benjamin Murphy, this finding is highly suggestive of acute cholecystitis and gallbladder inflammation. A positive Murphy's sign often prompts urgent surgical consultation and imaging studies to evaluate for emergency cholecystectomy.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize Murphy's; use possessive form with apostrophe-s.
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed a positive Murphy's sign consistent with acute cholecystitis." — Emergency department note
- "The absence of Murphy's sign does not exclude gallbladder pathology in elderly patients." — Clinical teaching note
Also known as
Murphy's test
cholecystoenteric sign
Don't confuse with
McBurney's point
Rovsing's sign
Blumberg's sign