Gastrointestinal: Liver Disease, IBD · USMLE Step 1

A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. Which mechanism explains this?

  1. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
  2. Decreased aldosterone secretion
  3. Portal hypertension with low albumin
  4. Renal failure as the sole cause
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Portal hypertension with low albumin

Ascites results from increased hydrostatic pressure (portal hypertension) and decreased oncotic pressure from low albumin.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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