American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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What level of albumin is considered a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality after surgery?

Above 3.5
Above 3.0
Below 3.0
Below 2.5

The correct answer is: Below 3.0

A serum albumin level below 3.0 grams per deciliter is considered a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality after surgery. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances in the blood. Low levels of albumin can indicate malnutrition, liver dysfunction, or systemic inflammation, all of which can compromise a patient’s ability to recover from surgery. When albumin levels fall below this threshold, it reflects an increased risk for complications such as wound healing issues, increased infection rates, prolonged hospital stays, and higher rates of postoperative complications. This is especially critical in surgical patients who may already have other risk factors affecting their recovery. In contrast, levels above 3.0 grams per deciliter are generally associated with better nutritional status and a lower risk of postoperative complications, making them less concerning in the context of surgical outcomes. Thus, the concern primarily lies with those patients whose albumin levels drop below 3.0, especially when approaching the level of 2.5, which signifies severe hypoalbuminemia and even greater risks.