Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with end-stage liver disease?

Encephalopathy is a common symptom associated with end-stage liver disease due to the liver's impaired ability to process toxins in the body, particularly ammonia. When the liver fails to detoxify these substances, they can accumulate in the bloodstream and affect brain function, leading to hepatic encephalopathy. Symptoms can range from mild confusion and lethargy to severe disorientation and coma.

This condition highlights the critical role the liver plays in metabolic processes and neurological function. As liver disease progresses and its functional capacity declines, patients are at a heightened risk for developing this type of encephalopathy, often requiring careful management to ensure safety and comfort.

The other symptoms listed, while potentially related to other health issues, do not specifically characterize end-stage liver disease in the same way that encephalopathy does. Understanding the relationship between liver function and neurological health is essential for providing comprehensive care in hospice and palliative settings.