Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

• A. Ascites
• B. Edema
• C. Hydronephrosis
• D. Pleural effusion

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of where fluid accumulates in the body. Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity is called ascites, a condition often seen with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, but also from other causes that lower plasma albumin or raise venous pressure. Ascites specifically refers to fluid in the abdominal cavity, unlike edema, which is fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues; hydronephrosis, which is dilation of the kidney due to obstruction; or pleural effusion, which is fluid in the space around the lungs. Recognizing ascites helps guide evaluation, such as imaging to confirm fluid and paracentesis to analyze it and assess possible portal-hypertension–related causes.