Question

Mrs. F’s blood work has come back and shows that she has low plasma osmolarity and decreased levels of plasma proteins and plasma K+. You can see how plasma proteins are related to her liver failure, since the liver synthesizes plasma proteins. But why does she have low K+ levels?Which of the liver functions below is most likely to affect Mrs. F’s K+levels?A.The liver creates lipoproteins.B. The liver destroys aldosterone.C. The liver converts ammonia to urea.D. The liver stores and releases glucose.E. The liver makes bile, which is needed to absorb lipid-soluble vitamins.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given case, Mrs. F is suffering from liver disease, which is witnessed by her plasma protein examination. The secretion of plasma proteins is done from liver, and its reduction is associated with liver dysfunction. Apart from this, liver performs various other activities.

The Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System is reliant upon the liver. In the process, angiotensinogen I get transformed into angiotensinogen II in liver. However, due to the defect in liver, the secretion of potassium is not monitored by kidney, and it gets secreted in urine. Thus, the concentration of potassium in urine becomes high, while the blood potassium level reduces.

In the given case, Mrs. F has low potassium levels as the liver is destroying aldosterone. Aldosterone refers to an enzyme that is used to instigate the secretion of potassium in the kidneys. Destruction of this enzyme signifies the reduction of potassium in the body. The inhibition of aldosterone takes place when the inhibition of renin takes place.

Answer 2

B. The liver destroys aldosterone.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aldosterone is hormone which is secreted by adrenal cortex in response to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Aldosterone regulates the blood pressure by increasing the secretion of the potassium in the urine and thus increasing the reabsorption of the sodium from the urine. Liver in the body is known to destroy the aldosterone.

If liver functions are altered, then the aldosterone levels will rise, causing increased loss of the potassium via urine.

Thus, plasma potassium levels decreases.

Hence correct option is:

B. The liver destroys aldosterone.