🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A patient with chronic alcoholism develops severe liver cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory findings would most likely be observed due to impaired liver function?

A Decreased prothrombin time (PT)
B Increased serum albumin
C Increased unconjugated bilirubin
D Decreased ammonia levels

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Cirrhosis impairs the liver's ability to conjugate bilirubin, leading to an increase in unconjugated bilirubin. It also leads to decreased albumin synthesis, increased PT (due to reduced clotting factors), and increased ammonia levels.

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