For a patient who has undergone major surgery, had complications, and is now in complete recovery, you would expect a gradual rise in which laboratory value?

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Albumin is a marker of nutritional status and its levels decrease in response to injury, surgery, and inflammation. As the patient recovers, their albumin levels should gradually rise indicating improved healing and nutritional status. Glucose, C-reactive protein, and BUN can also be affected by surgery and inflammation but their levels may not necessarily show a gradual rise during recovery. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that is important in maintaining oncotic pressure and keeping fluid within the blood vessels. During periods of stress, like major surgery, the body may break down protein stores and decrease albumin levels. As the patient recovers and begins to heal, the body will start to rebuild protein stores and albumin levels will gradually rise. Elevated glucose levels, C-reactive protein, and BUN levels may all indicate ongoing inflammation, infection, or kidney dysfunction, which would not be expected during complete recovery.

For a Patient Who Has Undergone Major Surgery, Had Complications