Which phase is associated with prodromal signs before jaundice appears?

Which phase is associated with prodromal signs before jaundice appears?

• A. Icteric
• B. Convalescent
• C. Posticteric
• D. Preicteric

Answer: (D)

In infections of the liver such as viral hepatitis, illness unfolds through phases, and the prodromal signs occur before jaundice in the preicteric phase. During this stage the person often feels nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a low fever, with abdominal or right upper-quadrant discomfort. Jaundice has not yet appeared, so scleral yellowing or dark urine isn’t prominent. As the disease progresses, bilirubin rises and jaundice becomes evident in the icteric phase. After jaundice diminishes, the convalescent (posticteric) phase follows, with gradual restoration of energy and appetite.

In infections of the liver such as viral hepatitis, illness unfolds through phases, and the prodromal signs occur before jaundice in the preicteric phase. During this stage the person often feels nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a low fever, with abdominal or right upper-quadrant discomfort. Jaundice has not yet appeared, so scleral yellowing or dark urine isn’t prominent. As the disease progresses, bilirubin rises and jaundice becomes evident in the icteric phase. After jaundice diminishes, the convalescent (posticteric) phase follows, with gradual restoration of energy and appetite.