What does a positive Murphy's sign indicate?

A positive Murphy's sign indicates cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder. This sign is specifically tested during a physical examination. When a clinician palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen while asking the patient to take a deep breath, if the patient experiences pain and suddenly stops inhaling, it suggests that the gallbladder is inflamed and may be pressing against the examiner's hand, hence the positive sign.

The Murphy's sign is especially relevant in cases of acute cholecystitis, where the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to increased pressure and inflammation. Therefore, the identification of this sign helps clinicians suspect and evaluate for cholecystitis, guiding the need for further diagnostic imaging or treatment.