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?
The liver metabolizes most components of food (protein, carbohydrates and fats) and also cleans the blood of bacteria and drugs
The liver maintains a balanced level of electrolytes and pH in the body and stores glucose, minerals and vitamins
The liver is responsible for the absorption of most dietary nutrients as well as the production of growth hormones.
The liver contributes to the metabolism of ingested food and provides the fluids that the GI tract requires
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Blood glucose levels in DKA are typically higher than in HHS: In fact, HHS usually presents with higher blood glucose levels than DKA—often exceeding 600 mg/dL, while DKA typically ranges from 250 to 600 mg/dL.
B. DKA involves significant ketosis and metabolic acidosis, while HHS typically does not: DKA is characterized by the breakdown of fats into ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis. HHS typically lacks significant ketosis because insulin levels, while low, are still sufficient to suppress ketogenesis.
C. DKA is more common in type 1 diabetes, while HHS is more common in type 2 diabetes: DKA usually occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes due to absolute insulin deficiency. HHS is more often seen in type 2 diabetics who still produce some insulin but not enough to prevent severe hyperglycemia and dehydration.
D. None of the above: This choice is incorrect, as B, C, and E are valid differences between DKA and HHS.
E. HHS patients often have more severe dehydration than DKA patients: HHS leads to profound osmotic diuresis over a longer period, causing extreme dehydration. DKA progresses faster but with less total fluid loss compared to HHS.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inflammation of the spinal cord: viral infection: This describes myelitis, which specifically affects the spinal cord, not encephalitis, which involves brain tissue inflammation.
B. A tumor of the brain: A brain tumor is a neoplastic growth and does not describe encephalitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the brain.
C. Inflammation of the brain tissue; viral infection: Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most commonly caused by viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, which directly infect and inflame brain tissue.
D. Infection of the meninges: bacterial infection: This describes meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, not encephalitis, which affects the brain tissue itself.
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