Which of the following is a common symptom of altered hepatobiliary function?

Jaundice is a prominent symptom associated with altered hepatobiliary function. This condition arises due to the liver's inability to effectively process bilirubin, a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver is damaged or diseased—whether due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, or biliary obstruction—bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to a characteristic yellowing of the skin and the sclera of the eyes. This visual cue is crucial for identifying liver dysfunction and helps clinicians assess the severity and underlying causes of hepatobiliary disorders.

Recognizing jaundice as a symptom plays a key role in diagnosing conditions like cholestasis, hepatitis, and liver failure, guiding further diagnostic testing and management approaches. Thus, it is a hallmark phenomenon that reflects alterations in liver function and warrants thorough evaluation.