What is indicated by a positive Murphy's sign during physical examination?

A positive Murphy's sign is an indication of inflammation of the gallbladder, which is most commonly seen in cholecystitis. This sign is elicited during a physical examination when the patient is asked to take a deep breath while the examiner palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences pain and involuntarily stops inhaling, it suggests that the inflamed gallbladder is causing discomfort, confirming the presence of cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis typically presents with symptoms such as right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting, often after eating fatty meals. The positive Murphy's sign is a specific clinical finding that supports the diagnosis of gallbladder inflammation as opposed to other abdominal conditions, which do not usually present with this particular sign.