IV albumin question

[LPN2RNdude]

I am an LPN in an RN mobility program..... i work at a SNF on the weekends.... we get a lot of post-op Ortho patients, and if they are having a lot of wound drainage we get orders to hang IV albumin qd until drainage stops (from the wound, that is)... question is.... why are we hanging IV albumin? does it have to do with nutritional status or what? any input appreciated.... thanks

[pickledpepperRN]

Albumin is the circulating protein in the blood. A low level of albumin causes an oncotic deficit so that fluid will exit the blood stream by osmosis. This causes a low circulating blood volume and edema.

This also happens in septic patients and other conditions of protein deficiency.

IV albumin draws fluid from the extravascular tissues into the circulation. This increases the blood volume.

Be VERY careful with patients who have CHF or a cardiac history.

OK - that's the short version.

This doesn't seem like the type of patient who should be in a SNF unless your staffing is WAY better than most.

Not so long ago patients needing any IV medication would have been in the hospital.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Excellent explanation Space. Always monitor the BP during and after albumin administration.

It's funny how things have shifted. Some SNFs and nursing homes are just like med-surg units used to be once upon a time, most med-surg nurses are like ICU used to be, and the patients in the ICU would be dead years ago. Things have really shifted. I know in our SNF they give blood, TPN, IV antibioidics, the works, just like a med-surg ward.

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

Also, having adequate albumin in the body is conducive to wounds healing faster.