Which one of the following is function of liver?

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

The liver is the primary site for the synthesis of most plasma proteins, including albumin, globulins, and clotting factors.
Albumin, produced by the liver, is crucial for maintaining plasma oncotic pressure, which prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels.
The liver also synthesizes essential clotting factors like fibrinogen and prothrombin, which are vital for hemostasis (blood clotting).
A healthy liver produces approximately 8-14 grams of albumin per day.

Option A: The liver does not eliminate carbohydrates. It metabolizes them to maintain blood glucose homeostasis by storing excess glucose as glycogen and releasing it when needed.
Option B: The liver produces bile, but the gallbladder is responsible for storing and concentrating it. The gallbladder can concentrate bile up to 20-fold.
Option D: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gastrointestinal hormone secreted by the duodenal mucosa in response to fats and proteins in the small intestine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological functions of the liver as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing liver function is critical in nursing. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) include measuring plasma protein levels, especially albumin. Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can indicate chronic liver disease.
Patients with severe liver dysfunction may have impaired synthesis of clotting factors, leading to a prolonged prothrombin time (PT/INR) and an increased risk of bleeding. Nurses must monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising or hematuria.
What if? If a patient with cirrhosis has a very low serum albumin level, the nurse should anticipate signs of fluid shifting, such as peripheral edema and ascites. Nursing interventions would include strict intake/output monitoring, daily weight checks, abdominal girth measurement, and administering prescribed diuretics.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of basic physiology.
First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'function of the liver'.
Evaluate each option individually based on your knowledge of the liver's roles.
Option A (Elimination of carbohydrates): Recall that the liver manages glucose levels (stores/releases), it doesn't eliminate it. This is incorrect.
Option B (Concentration of bile): Recall that the liver produces bile, but the gallbladder concentrates it. This is incorrect.
Option C (Synthesis of plasma protein): Recall that the liver is the body's main factory for proteins like albumin and clotting factors. This is a known, major function.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q8R6KCygcVPEPpuuo3jGQH

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 870-872

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2A p. 181-183

Practise the full UPPSC 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.