What potential risk is associated with albumin administration?

Administering albumin carries a potential risk of volume overload. Albumin is a colloid that helps maintain oncotic pressure in the vasculature, and while it can be beneficial in certain clinical situations—such as treating hypoalbuminemia or providing resuscitation in cases of shock—it can also lead to an increase in intravascular volume. This is particularly a concern in patients with compromised cardiac function or those with a history of heart failure, as the additional fluid can exacerbate their condition, potentially leading to pulmonary edema or heart failure.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not represent the primary concern associated with albumin administration. For instance, coagulation abnormalities are more typically linked to factors like liver disease or certain coagulation disorders rather than albumin itself. Anaphylactic reactions, although possible with any protein administration, are relatively rare with albumin compared to other blood products. Lastly, hypoglycemia is not a recognized risk associated with albumin administration, as albumin does not significantly influence blood glucose levels. Understanding these factors helps underscore the importance of monitoring and assessing patient fluid status when using albumin in clinical settings.