Jaundiced skin indicates abnormalities of which organ?

• A. Heart
• B. Kidney
• C. Lungs
• D. Liver

Answer: (D)

Jaundiced skin signals a problem with how bilirubin is processed in the liver. Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of red blood cells and is carried to the liver, where it is conjugated (made water-soluble) and excreted into bile. If the liver is damaged (as in hepatitis or cirrhosis) or the bile ducts are blocked (such as by gallstones), bilirubin builds up in the blood and stains the skin and eyes yellow. This centers on the liver’s ability to handle bilirubin, so jaundice points to liver or biliary system abnormalities rather than issues with the heart, kidneys, or lungs. In practice, this finding should prompt consideration of hepatic dysfunction or biliary obstruction and monitoring for related complications.