A patient is being evaluated for abdominal pain. The nurse elicits Murphy's sign, or pain in the right upper quadrant along the costal margin. A positive Murphy's sign is indicative of:

Explanation

• A positive Murphy's sign is indicative of gall bladder inflammation. Cholecystitis is confirmed via ultrasound.

• After the patient breathes out, the nurse firmly palpates below the right costal margin, mid-clavicular line. The patient is instructed to take a deep breath while the nurse deeply palpates. If the patient stops inhaling or winces, the test is positive.

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