Question

Multiple-choice question: One of the symptoms reported by Polly is pain on deep inspiration. This is called: A. Chadwick's sign B. Otolani's sign C. Murphy's sign D. Hegar's sign

Short answer

The correct answer is C. Murphy's sign.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Choices

Each of the choices given; Chadwick's sign, Otolani's sign, Murphy's sign, and Hegar's sign, are indicators of different medical conditions.

Match the Symptom

Polly's reported symptom, pain on deep inspiration, needs to be matched with the correct medical sign. From our understanding of the given choices, only Murphy's sign matches with this symptom as it indicates pain when the gallbladder is touched, a condition known as acute cholecystitis.

Select the Correct Answer

Having matched the symptom to the correct medical sign, the correct answer is C. Murphy's sign.

Key concepts

Nursing Exam Study Strategies

Aspiring nurses face the challenge of passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a critical step in their journey towards becoming licensed practitioners. Careful preparation is not only about understanding medical knowledge but also about adopting effective study strategies. One efficient method is to create a structured study plan, which includes setting specific goals, study times, and subject focus for each session.

Using active learning techniques like teaching back the material or discussing it with peers can also enhance retention. Prospective nurses should also incorporate a variety of resources, from textbooks to practice quizzes, and take advantage of NCLEX-RN prep courses. Regular practice with multiple-choice questions, similar to the format of the NCLEX-RN, helps to familiarize with the exam's questioning style and improve test-taking skills.

Finally, maintaining a healthy balance including proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition, contributes to better cognitive function and stress management during the study period. By integrating these strategies, nursing candidates can approach their exam with confidence and a greater likelihood of success.

Medical Signs Identification

The identification of medical signs is essential for diagnosing various health conditions. In nursing and medical practice, understanding these signs leads to accurate assessments and timely interventions. A thorough grasp of medical signs can be particularly important in complex, fast-paced clinical settings.

During exam preparation, students should prioritize learning how certain signs correlate with specific diseases. For instance, mastering the implications of symptoms like pain on deep inspiration and correlating them with Murphy's sign can be critical for identifying acute cholecystitis. Engaging with case studies and participating in clinical simulations can help in honing these diagnostic skills.

Visual aids like flashcards or mnemonic devices are additional tools that can assist in memorizing and quickly recalling these important medical signs during examinations and real-life clinical scenarios.

Acute Cholecystitis Symptoms

Acute cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder often caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct. It presents with a constellation of symptoms that healthcare providers must be able to identify. The classic symptoms include right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and nausea.

Murphy's Sign

One of the hallmark clinical signs indicative of acute cholecystitis is Murphy's sign. To check for Murphy's sign, the patient is asked to breathe out and hold their breath while the examiner palpates the right subcostal area; a positive sign is when pain interrupts the deep breath, prompting the patient to stop inspirating suddenly. This sign suggests inflammation of the gallbladder.

Other signs that may accompany acute cholecystitis include jaundice, due to the blockage of bile flow, and changes in digestive function. Understanding these symptoms and their clinical significance is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment planning in acute care settings.