Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Practice Exam

The correct choice is the icteric stage. During this stage of hepatitis, the liver's ability to process bilirubin is significantly impaired, leading to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This accumulation results in jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. The icteric stage represents the peak of liver dysfunction in hepatitis infection, and it is during this time that symptoms such as fatigue, dark urine, and pale stools may also be observed.

In the prodromal stage, patients typically experience non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and loss of appetite, but the liver is still capable of some bilirubin processing. The convalescent stage marks the beginning of recovery, and the liver begins to regain its function, indicating an improvement in bilirubin metabolism. The recovery stage is characterized by a significant reduction in jaundice and a gradual return to normal liver function as the body heals from the infection.