What can develop when abnormal albumin levels occur with liver disease?

• A. Edema
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Anemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (A)

Main concept: Albumin helps keep fluid inside blood vessels by maintaining plasma oncotic pressure. The liver makes most of the body’s albumin, so liver disease often leads to lower albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia). When oncotic pressure falls, fluid leaks out of vessels into the surrounding tissues, producing edema.

Why edema fits best: With reduced albumin, the driving force that keeps fluid in the bloodstream weakens, so more fluid accumulates in interstitial spaces, presenting as edema. In liver disease, this effect is a key reason for swelling, and it can contribute to ascites as well.

Why the other options aren’t the direct result of abnormal albumin: hyperglycemia isn’t caused by low albumin, anemia is typically due to other liver-related factors (bone marrow suppression, GI bleeding, iron deficiency, etc.), and hyperkalemia arises from kidney issues or other metabolic problems rather than low albumin itself.