A patient is demonstrating a build up of urea. The nurse realizes that this build up is due to an impairment in which of the following functions of the liver?

Question

1. fat metabolism
2. carbohydrate metabolism
3. vitamin synthesis
4. protein metabolism

Answer 1

4

Rationale: The liver is responsible for synthesis of the majority of the body's proteins and for degrading amino acids for energy use through the process of deamination. The major by-product of deamination is ammonia, which is toxic to tissues. The liver is responsible for converting ammonia into urea, a nontoxic substance. Urea diffuses from the liver into the circulation for urinary excretion. When liver failure occurs, ammonia cannot be converted to urea and levels rapidly build in the blood. An alteration in bile would be seen with impaired fat metabolism. An alteration in blood glucose levels would be seen with an impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Alterations in the vitamins of A, D, E, and K would indicate impairment in vitamin synthesis.