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How To Identify Three Functions Of The Liver Related To

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Questions for Medical Nutrition Therapy: A Case Study Approach 4th ed.

Title: Case 12 – Cirrhosis of the Liver

Questions:

1. The liver is an extremely complex organ that has a particularly important role in nutrient metabolism. Identify three functions of the liver related to each of the following:
a. Carbohydrate metabolism Galactose and fructose are products of carbohydrate digestion and are converted to glucose in the hepatocyte or liver cell.1 The liver then stores glucose as glycogen by undergoing glycogenesis and then returns it to the blood when glucose levels become low by undergoing glycogenolysis.1 The liver also produces “new” glucose from gluconeogenesis from precursors such as lactic acid, glycogenic amino acids, and intermediates …show more content…

As a result, there is an elevation in chemical lab values. The signs and symptoms that result in these physiological changes are jaundice, ascites, hypernatremia, hepatic encephalopathy, glucose alterations, fat malabsorption, hepatorenal syndrome, and osteopenia.1 Gi bleeding also sometimes occurs with cirrhosis
5. List the most common signs and symptoms of cirrhosis, and relate each of these to the physiological changes discussed in question #4.
The signs and symptoms that result in these physiological changes are pruritus, jaundice, ascites, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, easy bruising from internal bleeding, hypernatremia, hepatic encephalopathy, glucose alterations, hepatorenal syndrome, and osteopenia. Skin conditions such as pruritus and jaundice along with osteopenia can be due to the lack of nutrient flow throughout the body. Ascites and edema are due to the fluid build-up in the system. Esophageal varices is due to bleeding within the GI tract.
6. After reading this patient’s history and physical, identify her signs and symptoms consistent with her

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