Which term describes the reflex where compression of a congested liver produces jugular venous distention?

Which term describes the reflex where compression of a congested liver produces jugular venous distention?

• A. Trismus
• B. Hepatojugular Reflex
• C. Delta Wave
• D. Rhonchi

Answer: (B)

The concept tested is a bedside sign used to assess venous pressure and right-sided heart function. When you apply sustained pressure to the liver, the increased venous return has to be accommodated by the heart. In someone with congestive hepatopathy or right-sided heart failure, the heart can’t keep up, so the central venous pressure rises and the jugular veins become distended. If the distension persists during and after the liver compression, that’s a positive hepatojugular reflex, indicating elevated venous pressure and limited cardiac reserve. This term fits because it specifically describes the reflexive rise in jugular venous distention caused by hepatic compression in the context of congestive states. The other terms don’t describe this phenomenon: trismus is jaw clamping, delta wave is an ECG finding from pre-excitation syndromes, and rhonchi are lung sounds from airway secretions.

The concept tested is a bedside sign used to assess venous pressure and right-sided heart function. When you apply sustained pressure to the liver, the increased venous return has to be accommodated by the heart. In someone with congestive hepatopathy or right-sided heart failure, the heart can’t keep up, so the central venous pressure rises and the jugular veins become distended. If the distension persists during and after the liver compression, that’s a positive hepatojugular reflex, indicating elevated venous pressure and limited cardiac reserve.

This term fits because it specifically describes the reflexive rise in jugular venous distention caused by hepatic compression in the context of congestive states. The other terms don’t describe this phenomenon: trismus is jaw clamping, delta wave is an ECG finding from pre-excitation syndromes, and rhonchi are lung sounds from airway secretions.