NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

An elevated bilirubin might indicate a disorder of the:

1. Heart.

2. Kidney.

3. Brain.

4. Liver.

The correct answer is: Liver.

An elevated bilirubin level in the blood is primarily associated with liver function because bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells and is processed by the liver. When the liver is functioning normally, it converts bilirubin into a form that can be excreted from the body through bile. A high level of bilirubin can indicate various liver disorders, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstructions, which hinder the liver's ability to process and excrete bilirubin efficiently. This can lead to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in jaundice, a condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Understanding the liver's role in bilirubin metabolism is crucial for interpreting elevated bilirubin levels correctly. Therefore, when evaluating potential disorders indicated by elevated bilirubin, the liver is the primary organ of concern.