Question

1. Describe how fluid overload can contribute to hyponatremia and low hematocrit levels.
2.Whar role does albumin play in fluid balance? For example would hypoalbuminemia or hyperalbuminemia contribute to edema?why?

Answer 1

1.FLUID OVERLOAD CAN CONTRIBUTE HYPONATREMIA :

Hypervolemic hyponatremia is generally the result of fluid overload association with raised AVP secretion , advance liver cirrhosis ,renal disease or congestive heart failure.

In these condition total body sodium is elevated but total body water increased disproportionately causing hyponatremia and edema.

FLUID OVERLOAD CAN CONTRIBUTE LOW HEMATOCRIT LEVEL:

Hematocrit tests measure the percentage of blood that is comprised of red blood cells. If a patient is severely dehydrated ,the Hb and hematocrit will appear higher than normovolemic condition, if the patient is fluid overloaded they will be lower than their actual level.

2. ROLE OF ALBUMIN IN FLUID BALANCE :

Albumin functions primarily as a carrier protein for steroids ,fatty acids, and thyroid hormones in the blood and plays a major role in stabilizing extracellular fluid volume contribute to oncotic pressure of plasma.

HYPOALBUMINEMIA CONTRIBUTE TO EDEMA:

Albumin comprises 75to 80 % normal plasma colloid oncotic pressure and 50 % protein content. When albumin ,no longer sustain sufficient colloid osmotic pressure to counterbalance hydrostatic pressure, and edema develops.