Final answer:
Murphy's sign is the physical exam finding closely associated with cholecystitis, usually indicating the irritation of the gallbladder often caused by gallstones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical exam finding closely associated with cholecystitis is the Murphy's sign. This is observed when a patient winces or exhibits a sudden stop in inspiratory effort upon palpation of the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This reaction is a sign of irritation of the gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones which might block the outflow of fluid from the pancreas, leading to inflammation. Other imaging modalities that contribute to the diagnosis of cholecystitis include abdominal ultrasound, which can detect gallstones, and a HIDA scan for assessing gallbladder function.
Apart from Murphy's sign, laboratory tests such as liver function tests (LFTs), complete blood count (CBC) showing a high white blood cell count, and elevated levels of amylase or lipase may indicate an inflammatory process involving the gallbladder or pancreas.
When large gallstones get stuck in the bile duct, it may cause jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Roberta's symptoms post-surgery might suggest complications such as an infection or the involvement of other abdominal organs.