Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Murphy Sign

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient seated, stand behind them, hook the fingers of one hand under the right costal margin, and ask the patient to breathe in deeply. A positive test is a sharp increase in pain that arrests (catches) the inspiration.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Acute Cholecystitis

Murphy sign positive
Rule in
—
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Trowbridge RL, Rutkowski NK, Shojania KG. Does this patient have acute cholecystitis? JAMA. 2003;289(1):80-86. doi:10.1001/jama.289.1.80. PMID: 12503981. Free DARE summary at NCBI Bookshelf NBK69792. [Published correction appears in JAMA. 2009;302(7):739.]
  • Murphy JB. The diagnosis of gall-stones. Med News. 1903;82:825-833.

Related Diagnoses

Acute Cholecystitis

Related Systems / Regions

AbdomenGastrointestinal

Related Bedside Tests

POCUS
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Gallbladder Ultrasound
Rule in:VHAcute Cholecystitis
Rule out:SHAcute Cholecystitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdomen Palpation
Rule in:VHAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm, VHPyloric Stenosis, VHSigmoid Diverticulitis +29 more
Rule out:SHCholecystitis, SHHepatomegaly, MHAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +28 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdomen Percussion
Rule in:NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus, IEUrinary Retention
Rule out:NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus, IEUrinary Retention
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
McBurney Point Palpation
aka McBurney's sign
Rule in:IEAppendicitis
Rule out:IEAppendicitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Obturator Sign
aka Cope's obturator test
Rule in:SHAcute Appendicitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Psoas Sign
aka Iliopsoas sign; Obraztsov's sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis (Adult), SHAppendicitis (Pediatric)