Final answer:
Blood viscosity increases in patients with ascites due to hypoalbuminemia, often stemming from liver cirrhosis. Treating the underlying liver condition and removing excess fluid are key to management.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients have ascites, it is not uncommon for blood viscosity to be thickened because of hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia, which is a low level of albumin in the blood, can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, exacerbating conditions like ascites. Albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver, and its levels can decrease in hepatic disorders such as liver cirrhosis. Treating ascites often involves addressing its underlying causes, such as liver disease, and might require medical procedures to remove the excess fluid or, in severe cases of liver damage, a liver transplant.