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. 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.

A. Bruton's disorder: Also known as X-linked agammaglobulinemia, this is a primary immunodeficiency that results in absent or reduced B cells and recurrent bacterial infections. It does not involve distinct facial features or limb defects as described in the question.

B. SCID: Severe Combined Immunodeficiency involves profound defects in both B and T lymphocyte function, leading to severe infections early in life. It is not associated with the described craniofacial abnormalities or limb deformities.

C. Potter syndrome: This condition is caused by severe oligohydramnios, often due to bilateral renal agenesis, and leads to characteristic physical features including widely spaced eyes with epicanthic folds, low-set ears, a broad or beaked nose, a receding chin, and limb deformities.

D. Down Syndrome: While individuals with Down Syndrome often have characteristic facial features such as upslanting palpebral fissures, flat nasal bridges, and low-set ears, they typically do not have beak-like noses, receding chins, or limb defects in the way described.