Which of the following best describes Murphy's sign?

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Prepare for the LEIK Family Nurse Practitioner Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Murphy's sign is a clinical assessment used to detect gallbladder inflammation, such as cholecystitis. The test involves palpating the right upper quadrant of the abdomen while the patient takes a deep breath. As the diaphragm descends during inspiration, any inflamed gallbladder that comes into contact with the examiner’s fingers will cause the patient to experience pain and will likely cause them to stop inhaling. This response signifies a positive Murphy's sign.

The other options relate to different clinical tests. B describes a maneuver assessing hip joint mobility, while C pertains to heart auscultation, and D refers to rebound tenderness, commonly used to detect peritoneal irritation. Each of these has its specific clinical implications but does not pertain to Murphy's sign, which is specifically focused on the gallbladder and its associated conditions.

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