Which of the following sets includes signs of hepatic failure?

Which of the following sets includes signs of hepatic failure?

• A. Tenderness in the left lower quadrant.
• B. Elevated serum creatinine only.
• C. Hypothermia and bradycardia.
• D. Jaundice, tachycardia, hypotension, and fluid retention.

Answer: (D)

Hepatic failure shows up as bilirubin buildup and a cascade of systemic effects. Jaundice demonstrates impaired bilirubin processing and excretion by the damaged liver. The body’s hemodynamics can become unstable, leading to tachycardia and hypotension as a result of vasodilation, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and volume shifts. Fluid retention—edema and ascites—occurs from reduced albumin production and portal hypertension. So a set that includes jaundice plus cardiovascular instability and fluid retention best represents hepatic failure. Tenderness in the left lower quadrant isn’t characteristic of liver dysfunction, which is more associated with right upper quadrant findings. Elevated creatinine alone points to renal issues and can occur with hepatorenal syndrome but isn’t by itself a sign of hepatic failure. Hypothermia and bradycardia aren’t typical signs of hepatic failure either.

Hepatic failure shows up as bilirubin buildup and a cascade of systemic effects. Jaundice demonstrates impaired bilirubin processing and excretion by the damaged liver. The body’s hemodynamics can become unstable, leading to tachycardia and hypotension as a result of vasodilation, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and volume shifts. Fluid retention—edema and ascites—occurs from reduced albumin production and portal hypertension. So a set that includes jaundice plus cardiovascular instability and fluid retention best represents hepatic failure.

Tenderness in the left lower quadrant isn’t characteristic of liver dysfunction, which is more associated with right upper quadrant findings. Elevated creatinine alone points to renal issues and can occur with hepatorenal syndrome but isn’t by itself a sign of hepatic failure. Hypothermia and bradycardia aren’t typical signs of hepatic failure either.