Question

A nurse is assigned to care for a patient with ascites, secondary to cirrhosis. The nurse understands that the fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity results from a combination of factors including an alteration in oncotic pressure gradients and increased capillary permeability. Therefore, the nurse monitors the serum level of the plasma protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure, which is:

a) Prothrombin.
b) Globulin.
c) Albumin.
d) Fibrinogen.

Answer 1

Ascites, fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, is caused by alterations in oncotic pressure gradients and increased capillary permeability. The main plasma protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure is albumin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, known as ascites, is a common complication of cirrhosis. It is primarily caused by alterations in oncotic pressure gradients and increased capillary permeability. The main plasma protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure is albumin. This protein helps to draw water back into the capillaries, reducing fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.