AEMCA Practice Exam

What range of symptoms can be associated with infections like hepatitis?

1. Severe allergies and conditions affecting the skin

2. Gastrointestinal distress and respiratory issues

3. Fever, jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain

4. Neurological symptoms and chronic pain

The correct answer is: Fever, jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain

The range of symptoms associated with infections like hepatitis is primarily identified as fever, jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, often leads to these specific symptoms due to its impact on the liver's functionality. Fever is a common response of the body to infection, signaling that the immune system is working to combat the viral invasion. Jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction, making it a hallmark symptom of hepatitis. Fatigue is frequently experienced in many viral infections, including hepatitis, as the body expels energy fighting off the virus. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant where the liver is located, is also a common symptom since the inflamed liver can cause discomfort. Other options do not directly relate to the specific nature of hepatitis infections. For example, while gastrointestinal distress might be relevant in some liver conditions, it is not among the primary symptoms specifically associated with hepatitis. Similarly, symptoms such as severe allergies, respiratory issues, neurological symptoms, and chronic pain are not typically linked to hepatitis infections in the way fever, jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain are. Understanding the