Serum Albumin Overview and Mechanism

Study Notes

Serum Albumin Overview

Serum Albumin is classified as a fluid replacement agent, primarily used to manage blood volume and maintain oncotic pressure.
Acts as a blood product and is classified as a colloid, which helps to retain fluid in the intravascular space.

Composition and Characteristics

Normal serum albumin is a protein sourced from whole blood or plasma, essential for various physiological functions.
Plasma protein fraction, known as Plasmanate, is an albumin product comprising 83% albumin and 17% plasma globulins.

Mechanism of Action

Albumin increases blood oncotic pressure, facilitating fluid movement from tissues into the bloodstream.
It is effective in treating conditions such as hypovolemic shock and hypoproteinemia, particularly in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

Administration Details

Available in two concentrations:
- 5% (isotonic)
- 25% (hypertonic)
Has an immediate onset of action, providing rapid therapeutic benefits.

Nursing Considerations

When administering albumin, especially the 25% hypertonic solution, it is crucial to infuse it slowly while monitoring the percentage prescribed.
For 5% albumin (50 grams), it is typically packaged in 250 ml and can be infused at a rate of 1-2 mL/min, depending on patient condition and therapeutic goals.
The 25% albumin preparation contains 12.5 grams in a 50 ml volume, with specific infusion rates determined by the patient's response.

Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of serum albumin, including its classification as a fluid replacement agent and its role in maintaining oncotic pressure in the blood. Learn about its composition, mechanism of action, and administration details to understand its therapeutic applications in conditions like hypovolemic shock.