Pediatric Research Questions Related

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A 25-year old with hepatitis may be anicteric and symptomless. In the early part of the hepatic inflammatory disorder, the most likely symptom/sign is:

  • A. dark urine
  • B. occult blood in stools
  • C. ascites
  • D. anorexia
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the early part of the hepatic inflammatory disorder, the most likely symptom/sign is anorexia. Anorexia refers to a decreased appetite or lack of interest in food, which is commonly seen in patients with liver diseases such as hepatitis. Anorexia in the setting of liver inflammation indicates a disruption in the normal metabolic processes of the liver. This symptom is often accompanied by general malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. Dark urine (choice A) may occur later in the disease progression due to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Occult blood in stools (choice B) may be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a complication of advanced liver disease but is not typically an early symptom. Ascites (choice C) is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity and is usually a late sign of liver dysfunction.