A 51-Year-Old Male Has Been Diagnosed with Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease

A 51-year-old male has been diagnosed with alcohol-induced liver disease. He admits to the nurse providing his care that, "I know what the lungs do, and I know what the heart does, but honestly I have no idea what the liver does in the body." Which of the following statements would best underlie the explanation that the nurse provides?

A) The liver is responsible for the absorption of most dietary nutrients as well as the production of growth hormones.
B) The liver contributes to the metabolism of ingested food and provides the fluids that the GI tract requires.
C) The liver metabolizes most components of food and also cleans the blood of bacteria and drugs.
D) The liver maintains a balanced level of electrolytes and pH in the body and stores glucose, minerals, and vitamins.