Which of the following is a classic sign of hemolytic anemia?

Jaundice is a classic sign of hemolytic anemia because it results from the increased breakdown of red blood cells, which leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. When red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than they can be produced, the liver processes the excess bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin. This buildup can lead to the yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice.

In hemolytic anemia, this rapid destruction of red blood cells can overwhelm the liver's ability to conjugate bilirubin, resulting in an accumulation of unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin in the blood. This is why jaundice is not just common but a prominent physical finding in individuals suffering from hemolytic anemia.

Other symptoms of hemolytic anemia can include pallor and fatigue due to a decrease in red blood cell count, but jaundice specifically points to the hemolysis process and is a direct indicator of the underlying pathology related to excessive red blood cell destruction.