What physical exam sign is often checked in relation to gallstones?

Murphy's sign is a physical exam maneuver that is commonly assessed when evaluating for gallbladder disease, particularly cholecystitis, which can occur due to gallstones. The test is performed by having the patient take a deep breath while the examiner palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. A positive Murphy's sign occurs when the patient experiences pain and involuntarily halts their inspiration due to discomfort during this palpation. This response is indicative of inflammation of the gallbladder, often associated with obstructive processes caused by gallstones.

In this context, the other options, while related to different medical conditions, are not the primary signs assessed for gallbladder issues. Bradycardia relates to heart rate and can indicate various cardiac conditions. Hematochezia refers to the passage of fresh blood through the anus, often indicating gastrointestinal bleeding, and jaundice is a symptom of liver or biliary tract disorders, but it doesn't specifically identify gallstone presence. Therefore, Murphy's sign is the most relevant physical examination finding linked to gallstones and gallbladder disease.