What is a potential cause of post-hepatic (obstructive) jaundice?

Post-hepatic jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, occurs when there is a blockage in the bile ducts preventing bile from being excreted from the liver into the intestines. This blockage leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, resulting in jaundice.

The correct answer relates to the common bile duct being closed by gallstones. When gallstones form in the gallbladder, they can travel and become lodged in the common bile duct. This obstruction prevents bile from flowing normally into the small intestine, leading to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which causes jaundice. This condition is a classic presentation of post-hepatic jaundice, as the issue arises after bilirubin has been processed by the liver, highlighting the obstructive nature of the problem.

Other options such as excessive consumption of alcohol, hemolysis of red blood cells, and viral hepatitis are related to different forms of jaundice. Alcohol-related liver damage typically causes hepatic (pre-hepatic) jaundice, hemolysis can lead to increased bilirubin levels due to increased destruction of red blood cells affecting the liver's ability to conjugate bilirubin, which is categorized as pre-hepatic jaundice, while viral hepatitis causes