**Question:** True about ascites -

A. Ascites is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
B. It is primarily seen in cirrhotic patients due to impaired liver function.
C. Ascites is caused by heart failure in most cases.
D. The excess fluid in ascites is primarily composed of plasma proteins and cells.

**Correct Answer:**

A. **Ascites is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.**

Ascites is a clinical condition where excess fluid accumulates within the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal distension and potentially leading to complications such as respiratory distress, decreased food intake, and impaired mobility.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**

Ascites is primarily caused by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This accumulation occurs due to a variety of factors, including:

1. **Primary Liver Disease**: Cirrhosis is a common cause of ascites, resulting from impaired liver function and its inability to properly concentrate the sodium and water balance, leading to fluid leakage into the peritoneal cavity.
2. **Heart Failure**: In cases where heart failure is the cause of ascites, the excess fluid is primarily composed of plasma proteins and cells, rather than just sodium and water as in liver disease.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

**Option B (False):** While heart failure can cause ascites, it is not the primary cause in most cases. Ascites is usually more prevalent in liver diseases like cirrhosis.

**Option C (False):** Heart failure alone is not the primary cause of ascites; it is usually associated with liver diseases like cirrhosis.

**Option D (False):** The fluid in ascites is not primarily composed of plasma proteins and cells, as stated in option D. In liver disease-induced ascites, the fluid consists primarily of sodium and water, while in heart failure-induced ascites, the fluid contains a mixture of plasma proteins, cells, and electrolytes.