Which term refers to abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood?

Which term refers to abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood?

• A. Hyperproteinuria
• B. Hypoproteinemia
• C. Hydronephrosis
• D. Nephritis

Answer: (B)

The concept here is naming a condition characterized by too little protein in the blood. Hypoproteinemia means a lower-than-normal level of plasma protein, especially albumin. This can arise from poor nutrition, liver disease that reduces protein synthesis, or loss of protein through the kidneys or gut. When blood protein drops, the oncotic pressure that keeps fluid in the vessels falls, which can lead to edema. The other terms don’t describe low blood protein: hyperproteinuria refers to excess protein in the urine, not in the blood; hydronephrosis is dilation of the kidney due to obstruction; nephritis is kidney inflammation. So the best term for abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood is hypoproteinemia.

The concept here is naming a condition characterized by too little protein in the blood. Hypoproteinemia means a lower-than-normal level of plasma protein, especially albumin. This can arise from poor nutrition, liver disease that reduces protein synthesis, or loss of protein through the kidneys or gut. When blood protein drops, the oncotic pressure that keeps fluid in the vessels falls, which can lead to edema. The other terms don’t describe low blood protein: hyperproteinuria refers to excess protein in the urine, not in the blood; hydronephrosis is dilation of the kidney due to obstruction; nephritis is kidney inflammation. So the best term for abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood is hypoproteinemia.