Which finding is most characteristic of hepatitis?

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Jaundice is the most telling sign because inflammation of the liver disrupts bilirubin processing, leading to buildup of bilirubin in the blood and yellowing of the skin and eyes. While fatigue and abdominal discomfort can occur with hepatitis, they are nonspecific and common to many illnesses. Joint pain isn’t typical of hepatitis and doesn’t help distinguish it. Jaundice may also be accompanied by dark urine and pale stools, reflecting bilirubin handling by the liver and bile ducts. For these reasons, jaundice best characterizes hepatitis among the given findings.