In liver disease, blood ammonia levels rise because the liver cannot convert the ammonia to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The liver plays a critical role in the process of removing ammonia from the body. Ammonia is produced in the gut as a result of the breakdown of protein and is typically converted to urea in the liver. Urea is then excreted in urine. However, in liver disease, the liver is unable to convert ammonia to urea, leading to a buildup of ammonia in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer is C, urea. The liver normally converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea. Urea is then excreted in the urine. In liver disease, the liver is unable to convert ammonia to urea, resulting in an increase in blood ammonia levels. Choice A is incorrect because nitrogen is present in both ammonia and urea. Choice B is incorrect because amino acids are also products of protein metabolism and are not involved in ammonia conversion. Choice D is incorrect because sodium is not involved in ammonia metabolism.

In Liver Disease, Blood Ammonia Levels Rise Because the Liver