Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

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What is the role of albumin regarding calcium levels?

It transports excess calcium to the liver
It stores calcium in bones
It binds calcium, affecting ionized calcium levels
It decreases calcium absorption in the intestines

The correct answer is: It binds calcium, affecting ionized calcium levels

Albumin plays a critical role in maintaining calcium homeostasis in the body, particularly by binding calcium ions in the bloodstream. By binding to calcium, albumin effectively affects the levels of ionized calcium, which is the biologically active form of calcium that is crucial for various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, blood clotting, and neurotransmitter release. When albumin levels are low, there can be a corresponding decrease in total serum calcium levels, leading to a higher proportion of ionized calcium, which can influence cellular functions. Consequently, understanding the relationship between albumin and calcium is vital for assessing calcium status and addressing any potential abnormalities that can arise from conditions affecting albumin levels, such as liver disease or malnutrition. This role of albumin in binding calcium underscores its importance in regulating the availability of ionized calcium, ensuring that biological functions dependent on calcium are adequately supported.