Day 32 – INH Cumulative Practice Exam

The presence of yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice, is a significant indicator that warrants further evaluation of liver health in a patient taking isoniazid (INH). Isoniazid is known to potentially cause hepatotoxicity, which can lead to liver damage. Jaundice appears when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, often as a result of liver dysfunction.

In this context, yellowing of skin and eyes signals that the liver may not be functioning properly, potentially due to an adverse effect of the medication, requiring immediate medical assessment and possibly adjustment of treatment. Recognizing this symptom is crucial because early intervention can prevent further liver damage.

Other choices such as increased energy levels, excessive sweating, and improved appetite are less directly linked to liver health concerns associated with INH. While these symptoms can be important in understanding the overall health status of a patient, they do not provide critical indications for liver dysfunction in the same way that jaundice does.