Which signs indicate chronic liver disease?

Which signs indicate chronic liver disease?

• A. Jaundice, ascites, pedal edema, muscle atrophy
• B. Fever with severe abdominal pain
• C. Cough and wheeze
• D. Rash on the trunk

Answer: (A)

Chronic liver disease disrupts the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, synthesize proteins like albumin, and manage blood flow through the liver, leading to several systemic signs. Jaundice appears as bilirubin builds up in the blood, giving yellow coloring to the skin and eyes. Ascites develops from portal hypertension and reduced albumin, causing fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. Pedal edema results from low oncotic pressure due to decreased albumin and from fluid retention in the body. Muscle atrophy occurs because of malnutrition and the body’s altered metabolism in chronic liver disease. Together, these signs reflect the long-term impact on liver function rather than an acute or purely respiratory or skin issue. The other options point to different problems: fever with severe abdominal pain suggests an acute abdomen or infection, cough and wheeze indicate respiratory involvement, and a trunk rash points to a dermatologic or allergic issue rather than chronic liver disease.

Chronic liver disease disrupts the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, synthesize proteins like albumin, and manage blood flow through the liver, leading to several systemic signs. Jaundice appears as bilirubin builds up in the blood, giving yellow coloring to the skin and eyes. Ascites develops from portal hypertension and reduced albumin, causing fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. Pedal edema results from low oncotic pressure due to decreased albumin and from fluid retention in the body. Muscle atrophy occurs because of malnutrition and the body’s altered metabolism in chronic liver disease. Together, these signs reflect the long-term impact on liver function rather than an acute or purely respiratory or skin issue.

The other options point to different problems: fever with severe abdominal pain suggests an acute abdomen or infection, cough and wheeze indicate respiratory involvement, and a trunk rash points to a dermatologic or allergic issue rather than chronic liver disease.