A 51 year old male has been diagnosed with alcohol-induced liver disease. He admits to the nurse he does not understand what the liver does in the body. Which of these statements best explains the liver's function?

A. Optimizing pain: While pain management is important in any patient care plan, acute kidney injury typically does not cause significant pain unless associated with another condition such as obstruction or infection. It is not a primary focus unless the patient reports discomfort requiring intervention.

B. Protecting from falls: Fall prevention is a general safety measure but is not a specific priority related to AKI management unless the patient has associated risks like altered mental status, weakness, or dialysis-related hypotension. It is not a primary priority in early AKI care planning.

C. Monitoring electrolyte levels: AKI commonly leads to imbalances in potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus due to impaired renal clearance. Hyperkalemia in particular poses serious cardiac risks, making electrolyte monitoring a top priority to prevent complications such as arrhythmias.

D. Assessing fluid balance: AKI affects the kidneys’ ability to excrete or conserve fluid, resulting in potential fluid overload or dehydration. Accurate intake and output tracking, daily weights, and edema assessment are essential to guide treatment and prevent respiratory or cardiovascular compromise.

E. Promoting infection control: Infection is both a potential cause and a complication of AKI, especially in hospitalized or catheterized patients. Maintaining strict aseptic technique, monitoring for signs of infection, and preventing sepsis are critical components of AKI management.

A. The liver metabolizes most components of food (protein, carbohydrates and fats) and also cleans the blood of bacteria and drugs: The liver plays a central role in metabolism, including converting nutrients into energy or storage forms, breaking down toxins, metabolizing drugs, and filtering bacteria from the blood via Kupffer cells.

B. The liver maintains a balanced level of electrolytes and pH in the body and stores glucose, minerals and vitamins: While the liver stores glycogen and some vitamins and minerals, it does not directly regulate electrolyte or pH balance, which is primarily the function of the kidneys and respiratory system.

C. The liver is responsible for the absorption of most dietary nutrients as well as the production of growth hormones: Nutrient absorption is mainly the role of the small intestine. Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, not the liver, making this statement inaccurate.

D. The liver contributes to the metabolism of ingested food and provides the fluids that the GI tract requires: Although the liver produces bile, which aids in fat digestion, it does not supply most of the fluids needed by the GI tract. Salivary glands, gastric glands, pancreas, and intestines contribute the majority of GI fluids.