Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

A 37-year-old nurse comes for evaluation of colicky right upper quadrant abdominal pain. The pain is associated with nausea and vomiting and occurs 1 to 2 hours after eating greasy foods. Which one of the following physical examination descriptions would be most consistent with the diagnosis of cholecystitis?

  • A. Abdomen is soft, nontender, and nondistended, without hepatosplenomegaly or masses.
  • B. Abdomen is soft and tender to palpation in the right lower quadrant, without rebound or guarding.
  • C. Abdomen is soft and tender to palpation in the right upper quadrant with inspiration, to the point of stopping inspiration, and there is no rebound or guarding.
  • D. Abdomen is soft and tender to palpation in the mid-epigastric area, without rebound or guarding.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because tenderness in the right upper quadrant with inspiration points towards Murphy's sign, indicative of cholecystitis. This sign is elicited by palpating the right upper quadrant while the patient takes a deep breath. This maneuver causes the gallbladder to descend and come into contact with the inflamed peritoneum, reproducing pain and halting inspiration. Choices A, B, and D do not describe physical examination findings specific to cholecystitis such as Murphy's sign or tenderness in the right upper quadrant with inspiration. Therefore, they are incorrect.