The nurse assesses a client being evaluated for viral hepatitis. Which finding is not expected in viral hepatitis?

Rationale: A. Pruritus (itching) is a common symptom in viral hepatitis due to bile salt accumulation in the skin resulting from impaired liver function. Itching often worsens at night and can significantly affect comfort. This is an expected finding. B. Joint pain or arthralgia can occur in viral hepatitis, particularly in hepatitis B and C, due to immune-mediated inflammatory responses. This symptom is consistent with viral infection and liver inflammation. C. Clients with viral hepatitis may experience anorexia or decreased appetite, but polyphagia (excessive hunger) is not typically associated with viral hepatitis. However, metabolic changes may sometimes alter appetite in early or resolving stages. This is less common but not the most unrelated finding. D. Skin abrasions are not a direct manifestation of viral hepatitis. They may occur incidentally from trauma or other conditions but are unrelated to liver infection or its typical clinical features. This makes skin abrasions the finding not expected in viral hepatitis.