If a doctor says Positive Murphy's Sign, which area of the abdomen is being examined?

Study for the ScribeAmerica Outpatient Exam. Master your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

A Positive Murphy's Sign indicates that there is tenderness and pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which specifically suggests an issue related to the gallbladder, such as cholecystitis. When the physician palpates the area in the RUQ while the patient takes a deep breath, the patient may instinctively stop breathing due to the pain associated with the gallbladder being inflamed.

This sign is clinically significant because it helps healthcare providers localize abdominal issues and determine the need for further imaging or intervention. The RUQ is directly associated with the location of the gallbladder, making it the correct region in this scenario. Understanding the position and function of abdominal organs is crucial when correlating physical exam findings with possible medical conditions.

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