Advantages of albumin

An elderly man was admitted to the unit with hypoproteinemia due to chronic malnutrition. His medical history reveals the following: HTN, CHF. His medications are: Digoxin 0.125 mg qd; Lasix 40 mg qd; KCL 20 mEq qd; Lisinopril 10 mg qd.

Physical reveals a thin, cachexic male, who has edematous hands, and feet.

BP 98/50; HR 90; HT; 5’9″; Wt; 62 kg.

His lab reveals a total protein level of 4.8 g/dL, K+ of 3.8, Na 131, Hematocrit 30.

Answer in full paragraph.

1.) What advantages are advantages of albumin over crystalloid like lactated ringers in this situation?

2.) What adverse effects should you monitor while he is receiving albumin?