National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What symptom is least likely to be associated with liver dysfunction?

1. Easy bruising

2. Clay-colored stools

3. Hematuria

4. Dark-colored urine

The correct answer is: Hematuria

The symptom most likely considered least associated with liver dysfunction is hematuria. Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. While it can result from various conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or trauma, it is not typically linked to liver issues. In contrast, easy bruising is commonly observed in liver dysfunction due to the liver’s role in producing clotting factors; when the liver is compromised, bleeding tendencies can increase. Clay-colored stools indicate a lack of bilirubin, often resulting from obstructive jaundice or cholestasis associated with liver dysfunction. Dark-colored urine can occur in liver dysfunction due to the increased excretion of bilirubin when the liver is unable to properly process it. Thus, hematuria stands out as the least likely symptom to indicate liver issues directly, making it the correct answer in this context.