American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which sign is associated with cholecystitis?

1. Rebound tenderness

2. Murphy's sign

3. Cullen's sign

4. Gray Turner's sign

The correct answer is: Murphy's sign

Murphy's sign is specifically associated with cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder. This sign is elicited during a physical examination when the healthcare provider asks the patient to take a deep breath while palpating the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences significant pain and stops inhaling due to this discomfort, it is considered a positive Murphy's sign, indicating possible gallbladder inflammation. In contrast, rebound tenderness is more indicative of peritoneal irritation, which can occur with various abdominal conditions, including appendicitis, but is not exclusive to cholecystitis. Cullen's sign and Gray Turner's sign are associated with intra-abdominal bleeding or pancreatitis and are not related to cholecystitis. Hence, Murphy's sign is the key clinical sign specifically tied to cholecystitis diagnosis.