A patient with leukocytosis, fever and left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain will most likely have a diagnosis of

A. Ischemia of the brain tissue is causing cellular injury, swelling, and malfunction of the contralateral side: Hemiparesis occurs on the side opposite to the brain lesion due to the crossing (decussation) of motor pathways.

B. The functioning of the right cranial nerve controlling facial movement is compromised by cerebral edema: While facial nerve involvement can cause drooping, the hemiparesis suggests a central (brain) rather than peripheral issue.

C. The sensorimotor tracts leading from the brain to the body decussate and control the arm and leg on the same side as the lesion: This is incorrect because the tracts control the contralateral side of the body.

D. The corticospinal tracts leading from the brain to the body decussate and control the ipsilateral arm and leg: This is incorrect; the corticospinal tracts control the contralateral side.

A. Diminished serum albumin levels cause water to shift from blood to tissue: In cirrhosis, liver dysfunction leads to decreased production of albumin, a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure. Low albumin levels cause fluid to shift from the vascular space into the tissues, resulting in ascites and peripheral edema.

B. Portal hypotension causes a fluid shift from the abdominal cavity into the portal veins: Portal hypertension, not hypotension, is a common feature of cirrhosis, but it leads to ascites by increasing pressure in the portal venous system, not by shifting fluid into the portal veins.

C. Hypoaldosteronism causes a fluid volume deficit: shifting water from blood into tissue: Cirrhosis often leads to hyperaldosteronism, not hypoaldosteronism, resulting in sodium and water retention, which contributes to edema.

D. Aberrations of the portal system cause a back-up of blood that leads to hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is related to obstruction of the urinary tract, not a complication of portal hypertension or cirrhosis.