What it means
Also called colloid osmotic pressure. Large proteins stay inside the capillaries and draw water toward them, balancing the pressure of the blood pushing fluid out. When the blood's protein level falls, as in liver disease, malnutrition or kidney disease that leaks protein, fluid escapes into the tissues and causes edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry .
For the nurse
A client with a low albuminal-BYOO-minThe main protein in blood plasma, made by the liver, which holds fluid inside the blood vessels and carries drugs and hormones.Full entry level is at risk for edema and fluid in the abdomen; weigh them daily and check for swelling. Albumin infusions are sometimes given to pull fluid back into the vessels.
At a glance
| Also written | colloid osmotic pressure |
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Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
capillary
One of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
albumin
The main protein in blood plasma, made by the liver, which holds fluid inside the blood vessels and carries drugs and hormones.
osmotic
Relating to osmosis, the movement of water across a membrane toward the side with more dissolved particles.