Murphy Sign is a physical exam finding used during an abdominal examination. It describes a sudden pause in breathing when pressure is applied over the gallbladder area during inspiration. It is most commonly discussed when evaluating right upper quadrant abdominal pain. It is taught as a bedside clue for gallbladder inflammation, especially acute cholecystitis.

Rebound Tenderness is a physical exam finding assessed during an abdominal examination. It refers to pain that is felt more strongly when pressure on the abdomen is suddenly released. It is commonly used as a bedside clue for irritation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). Clinicians most often discuss it in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain in emergency and inpatient settings.

Abdominal Guarding is a physical exam finding where the abdominal wall muscles tighten during palpation. It is commonly assessed during evaluation of abdominal pain in emergency, inpatient, and clinic settings. Clinicians use it as a clue to irritation of deeper tissues, especially the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). It helps frame urgency and next diagnostic steps in suspected “acute abdomen.”

Upper GI Bleed means bleeding that originates from the upper gastrointestinal tract. It typically refers to bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Clinicians use the term to describe a common emergency presentation and to guide initial evaluation and management. It is discussed in gastroenterology, hepatology, emergency medicine, critical care, and GI surgery.

Lower GI Bleed means bleeding that originates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at or below the ligament of Treitz, most often from the colon, rectum, or anal canal. It is commonly used as a clinical label when a patient presents with blood per rectum or blood mixed with stool. It is a symptom-based diagnosis that prompts evaluation of severity, source, and cause. It is used in emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and endoscopy settings.

GI Bleeding means blood loss from anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can be visible (vomiting blood or passing black/red stool) or hidden and found on testing. Clinicians use the term in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings to describe a symptom and a clinical syndrome. It signals a need to localize the source, assess severity, and identify an underlying cause.

GI Perforation means a full-thickness hole in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It allows air, fluid, and bacteria from the gut to escape into surrounding tissues. Clinicians use the term in emergency care, gastroenterology, and GI surgery to describe a high-risk cause of acute abdominal illness. It is discussed in relation to peptic ulcer disease, diverticulitis, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, and procedure-related complications.

Hemostasis means stopping bleeding and keeping blood inside blood vessels. It is a normal body process and also a set of clinical techniques. In gastroenterology, Hemostasis is commonly discussed during gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It is used in endoscopy, surgery, and interventional radiology to control hemorrhage.

Portal Gastropathy is a stomach lining change that occurs in the setting of portal hypertension. It is most often discussed in people with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis. Clinicians usually identify it during upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD). It matters because it can contribute to chronic blood loss or, less commonly, active bleeding.

Liver Elastography is a noninvasive way to estimate how stiff the liver tissue is. Liver stiffness often changes with liver scarring (fibrosis) and some types of inflammation or congestion. It is commonly used in hepatology clinics to evaluate chronic liver disease without a biopsy. It can be performed with ultrasound-based methods or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).