Final answer:
In post-hepatic jaundice, there is an increase in conjugated bilirubin in the blood due to obstruction in the bile ducts. The blockage leads to lower urobilinogen levels as less bilirubin is converted in the intestine. As a result, patients may have pale stools and yellowing of the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-hepatic Jaundice and Its Effect on Bilirubin and Urobilinogen Levels
Post-hepatic jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, occurs when there is an obstruction in the bile ducts, which prevents bile from being transported from the liver to the intestine. This leads to an increase in conjugated bilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin would be converted into stercobilin in the intestine and excreted in feces, thus, this condition might also lead to pale-colored stools.
As the flow of bile into the intestine is disrupted, less bilirubin is converted into urobilinogen by intestinal bacteria. Therefore, urobilinogen levels may be lower in the bloodstream and urine of individuals with post-hepatic jaundice as compared to hepatic jaundice, where liver cell damage results in higher levels of urobilinogen due to more bilirubin being available for conversion. A characteristic symptom of jaundice is the yellowing of skin and mucous membranes due to the accumulation of bilirubin.