Albumin and Protein levels

[ErinJane]

I had a pt. today with low albumin and protein. I already associated this with her edema, however, my instructor pointed out that I am forgetting something.

So far I have thought of RBC/hemaglobin levels. Is there something else I am forgetting?

[New 2 iceeYouRN]

Albumin is also an indicator of nutrition status... I think...

[catz123]

adult respitatory distress syndrome - pt. may also experience interstitial pulmonary edema. possible malnutrition, burns, infection or serious injury. maybe hemmorrhage, excessive bowel ..... i could be thinking way to much into you question. I am also a student

[krisandnoahsmom1]

Oooh, I know this as I just got my rear chewed royally behind it. Albumin is a very small protien. If there is any problem with the glomerular basement membrane this will be the first protien to pass through it and show up in the urine. If a patient has low albumin it may be due to lack of protien in their diet, if not this check the urinalysis. Any albumin in there may indicate renal insufficiencies; this will also cause protien levels to drop.

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

I had a pt. today with low albumin and protein. I already associated this with her edema, however, my instructor pointed out that I am forgetting something.

So far I have thought of RBC/hemaglobin levels. Is there something else I am forgetting?

Edema is not the cause of her hypoalbuminemia. It's the reverse: low serum proteins causes a decrease in oncotic pressure.

Also, albumin is not a low molecular weight protein. It's heavier than normal heparin and nearly as heavy as hemoglobin.

The reason it typically avoids filtration is due to it's slight negative charge-- the glomerular basement membrane is negatively charged so they typically repel-- except in nephrotic syndrome.