The physical examination may reveal the following:
Fever, tachycardia, and tenderness in the RUQ or epigastric region, often with guarding or rebound
Palpable gallbladder or fullness of the RUQ (30-40% of patients)
Jaundice (~15% of patients)
The absence of physical findings does not rule out the diagnosis of cholecystitis.
See Presentation for more detail.