Question

Changes in the color of skin are often an indication of a homeostatic imbalance. Which of the following would indicate a liver disease such as hepatitis resulting in elevated bilirubin? a) The skin and sclera of the eyes appears to have an abnormal, yellowish tint. b) The skin takes on a bronze or metallic appearance. c) Black-and-blue marks become evident for no apparent cause. d) It is impossible to suggest Addison's disease from an inspection of a person's skin.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The accurate response is option a) whereby the skin and sclera of the eyes exhibit an abnormal, yellowish hue. Hyperbilirubinemia, a medical condition characterized by elevated bilirubin levels, can result in jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera. This symptom is commonly associated with liver diseases, such as hepatitis, and occurs due to the liver's inability to process bilirubin effectively. Consequently, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream and deposits in the skin and eyes, leading to the yellowish tint.

Options b) and c) are not typically linked to liver diseases or elevated bilirubin levels. Although a bronze or metallic appearance of the skin and the development of black-and-blue marks (bruising) may have other causes, they are not specific to liver disease. Option d) pertains to Addison's disease, a hormonal disorder that is not directly related to the topic of elevated bilirubin levels in liver disease.