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Questions and Answers
A patient's lab results show an albumin level of 2.8 g/dL. Which of the following conditions could potentially contribute to this result?
A patient's lab results show an albumin level of 2.8 g/dL. Which of the following conditions could potentially contribute to this result?
- Administration of a colloid solution
- Excess infusion of albumin
- Liver disease (correct)
- Dehydration
A patient with ascites due to liver cirrhosis has low albumin levels. How does low albumin contribute to the formation of ascites?
A patient with ascites due to liver cirrhosis has low albumin levels. How does low albumin contribute to the formation of ascites?
- Increased oncotic pressure within the capillaries pulls fluid into the interstitial space.
- Decreased oncotic pressure within the capillaries allows fluid to leak into the interstitial space. (correct)
- Albumin promotes active transport of water into the abdominal cavity.
- Albumin attracts water to the interstitial space.
A patient is admitted with severe burns covering a large percentage of their body. What effect will this have on their albumin levels?
A patient is admitted with severe burns covering a large percentage of their body. What effect will this have on their albumin levels?
- No significant change in albumin levels.
- Increased albumin level due to increased protein synthesis
- Decreased albumin levels due to fluid loss. (correct)
- Increased albumin levels due to dehydration.
Which of the following best describes the role of albumin as a transport protein?
Which of the following best describes the role of albumin as a transport protein?
A doctor suspects a patient has chronic malnutrition. Why might an albumin level NOT be the best indicator of nutritional status?
A doctor suspects a patient has chronic malnutrition. Why might an albumin level NOT be the best indicator of nutritional status?
A patient with nephrotic syndrome is experiencing significant proteinuria (protein in urine). How might this affect their albumin levels and overall fluid balance?
A patient with nephrotic syndrome is experiencing significant proteinuria (protein in urine). How might this affect their albumin levels and overall fluid balance?
In which clinical scenario would elevated albumin levels most likely be observed?
In which clinical scenario would elevated albumin levels most likely be observed?
A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Knowing the function of the liver, what effect would liver damage have on plasma proteins?
A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Knowing the function of the liver, what effect would liver damage have on plasma proteins?
When drawing blood to measure albumin levels, which type of collection tube is typically used?
When drawing blood to measure albumin levels, which type of collection tube is typically used?
A patient following a strict vegan diet is at risk of inadequate protein intake. Which lab would provide the most relevant information about their protein status?
A patient following a strict vegan diet is at risk of inadequate protein intake. Which lab would provide the most relevant information about their protein status?
Flashcards
Normal Albumin Value
Normal Albumin Value
Normal range: 3.5 - 6.0 g/dL
Albumin's Origin
Albumin's Origin
Albumin is produced by the liver and is the main protein in plasma.
Albumin Functions
Albumin Functions
Albumin acts as a transport protein and helps maintain oncotic pressure.
Albumin as Colloid
Albumin as Colloid
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Albumin Lab Considerations
Albumin Lab Considerations
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Increased Albumin
Increased Albumin
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Decreased Albumin
Decreased Albumin
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Study Notes
- Albumin normal value is 3.5 - 6.0 g/dL
Pathophysiology
- Albumin is produced in the liver
- It is the main protein in plasma
- Albumin is a transport protein and maintains oncotic pressure
- Albumin is a colloid and helps to pull fluid in
- It is not a good indicator of nutrition with a half life of around 20 days
- Pre-albumin is a better indicator for acute cases with a half life of 2-5 days
Special considerations
- A green top tube is required for the test
- The test is sent with other labs
- Tests include liver function tests and nutrition panels like pre-albumin
Abnormal lab values: Increased Levels
- Dehydration can increase albumin levels
- Excess infusion of albumin can also increase levels
Abnormal lab values: Decreased Levels
- Liver disease decreases albumin levels
- Fluid loss due to fistula, hemorrhage, or burns decreases albumin levels
- Kidney disease decreases albumin levels
- Congestive heart failure can decrease albumin levels
- Long term poor nutrition or inadequate intake will decrease albumin levels
- Inflammation decreases albumin levels
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