Saunders Gastrointestinal Practice Test

In a client who has developed hepatitis A, malaise is an expected finding. Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that commonly leads to symptoms such as fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. This malaise occurs due to systemic effects of the virus that lead to inflammation and impairment of liver function, which can also result in other symptoms like loss of appetite and nausea.

The presence of malaise reflects the body’s immune response to the viral infection. As the liver becomes inflamed, the body feels the impacts of this illness, resulting in fatigue and discomfort. Other symptoms of hepatitis A, which may or may not be present, include fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice, but malaise is a hallmark feature associated with the acute phase of the infection.

While dark stools and weight gain might be associated with other liver conditions, and discomfort in the left upper quadrant is less typical given that the liver is primarily located in the right upper quadrant, malaise stands out as the most direct and common expected symptom for someone experiencing hepatitis A.