Question

which of the following could cause a patient’s direct bilirubin to increase?
a) gallstones
b) elevated uric acid
c) hemolytic anemia
d) hemolysis

Explanation:

Direct bilirubin increase is often due to biliary obstruction. Gallstones (option a) can block bile ducts, preventing direct bilirubin from being excreted, leading to its increase. Elevated uric acid (b) relates to purine metabolism, not bilirubin. Hemolytic anemia (c) and hemolysis (d) increase indirect bilirubin (from red blood cell breakdown), not direct.

Answer:

a) gallstones