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Multiple Choice

Which symptom is a sign of hepatotoxicity?

Jaundice is the hallmark symptom of hepatotoxicity because bilirubin builds up when the liver cannot process it effectively, usually from hepatocellular injury or impaired bile flow. This results in the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes. Elevated liver enzymes (LFTs) reflect ongoing liver injury but are laboratory measurements, not symptoms you observe in a patient. Neurologic changes like altered mental status or delirium can occur with advanced liver dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy), but they are not the earliest or most direct symptom of hepatotoxic injury. So jaundice best signals hepatotoxicity.

Jaundice is the hallmark symptom of hepatotoxicity because bilirubin builds up when the liver cannot process it effectively, usually from hepatocellular injury or impaired bile flow. This results in the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes. Elevated liver enzymes (LFTs) reflect ongoing liver injury but are laboratory measurements, not symptoms you observe in a patient. Neurologic changes like altered mental status or delirium can occur with advanced liver dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy), but they are not the earliest or most direct symptom of hepatotoxic injury. So jaundice best signals hepatotoxicity.