Albumin is one of the plasma protein is synthesized in?

Appeared in: DHS 2018 shift 1st

Explanation

The liver is the primary and exclusive site for the synthesis of albumin, a major plasma protein.
The liver produces about 12 grams of albumin per day, highlighting its significant role in protein metabolism.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma, constituting about 60% of the total plasma protein concentration.
Its main functions include maintaining the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood and transporting various substances like hormones, drugs, and fatty acids.

Option A: The spleen is primarily an organ of the immune system and is involved in filtering blood and removing old red blood cells, not in synthesizing plasma proteins like albumin.
Option B: The pancreas is a gland with both endocrine (producing insulin and glucagon) and exocrine (producing digestive enzymes) functions. It does not synthesize albumin.
Option C: The adrenal gland is an endocrine gland that produces vital hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. It is not involved in the synthesis of plasma proteins.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Site of albumin synthesis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses monitor serum albumin levels as a key indicator of a patient's nutritional status and liver function. Low levels (hypoalbuminemia) can suggest liver disease, malnutrition, or nephrotic syndrome.
Patients with low albumin often present with generalized edema (swelling) due to decreased plasma oncotic pressure. Nursing care focuses on monitoring for edema, assessing skin integrity, and managing fluid balance.
What if a patient with chronic liver failure has a serum albumin of 2.0 g/dL (normal: 3.4-4.7 g/dL)? The nurse must anticipate signs of severe edema, ascites, and potential for altered drug effects, as many medications bind to albumin for transport.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'albumin', 'plasma protein', and 'synthesized'. This directs you to a question about the origin of a specific blood protein.
Second, systematically review the function of each organ listed in the options.
Recall that the spleen is for blood filtration and immunity.
Recall that the pancreas is for digestion (enzymes) and blood sugar regulation (hormones).
Recall that the adrenal gland produces stress and steroid hormones.
Recall that the liver is a major metabolic organ responsible for synthesizing most plasma proteins.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) pp. 619-621, 621-623

Practise the full DHS 2018 shift 1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.