A nurse is caring for a patient with ascites related to liver cirrhosis. The patient has hypoalbuminemia and increasing abdominal distention. Which pathophysiological process should the nurse identify as the primary cause of the ascites in this patient?

Increased portal hypertension leading to vessel permeability and fluid leakage into the peritoneal cavity.

Obstruction of the lymphatic system causing lymphatic fluid accumulation.

Excess protein intake causing increased plasma oncotic pressure and fluid retention.

Acute peritoneal infection causing inflammation and fluid buildup.