A hospitalized patient has a serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL. Which factor most limits the interpretation of albumin as a nutritional marker in this patient?

A hospitalized patient has a serum albumin

Multiple choice — select the best answer

AAlbumin is insensitive to nitrogen balance changes
BAlbumin is produced mainly in the kidney
CAlbumin has a very short half-life of 2 days
DAcute-phase response reduces albumin synthesis and increases its redistribution

✓ Correct answer: D. Acute-phase response reduces albumin synthesis and increases its redistribution Albumin is a negative acute-phase protein; inflammation, stress, and illness suppress its synthesis and cause fluid shifts that lower serum levels independently of nutritional intake. Its 20-day half-life makes it a poor marker of short-term nutrition changes as well.

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Topic: Clinical Nutrition

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A hospitalized patient has a serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL. Which factor most limits the interpretation of albumin as a nutritional marker in this patient?

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