Question

A client asks the nurse, "What's the purpose of the liver?" Which statements will the nurse include in the response to this client's question?

1) "It helps you digest fats."
2) "It is an endocrine and exocrine gland."
3) "It filters waste from the blood and makes urine."
4) "It makes some blood-clotting substances."
5) "It can help you store certain vitamins."

Answer 1

The liver aids in digestion by producing bile for fat emulsification, detoxifies blood, stores vitamins and minerals, and synthesizes blood-clotting proteins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the liver includes several key functions essential for maintaining good health. First, it helps in the digestion of fats by producing and excreting bile, which is necessary for emulsifying fats. The bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder or sent directly to the duodenum. Secondly, the liver acts as a detoxification center, breaking down toxic substances and drugs into less harmful forms that can be excreted. Additionally, the liver plays a vital role in metabolism, storing vitamins such as A, D, B12, and K, as well as minerals like iron and copper. It is crucial in the synthesis of plasma proteins, including those involved in blood clotting like fibrinogen.