Which condition is associated with decreased TP concentration?

Which condition is associated with decreased TP concentration?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Normal hydration
• C. Overhydration
• D. Dehydrated and Overhydrated both

Answer: (C)

The amount of total protein in serum depends on how much plasma water there is. When you have excess water in the bloodstream (overhydration), the plasma becomes more diluted, so the proteins are spread out more and the measured total protein concentration falls. In contrast, dehydration concentrates the blood—less water means proteins appear higher, so the TP increases. Normal hydration keeps TP in the typical reference range. Therefore, the condition that lowers TP by diluting the blood is overhydration.

The amount of total protein in serum depends on how much plasma water there is. When you have excess water in the bloodstream (overhydration), the plasma becomes more diluted, so the proteins are spread out more and the measured total protein concentration falls. In contrast, dehydration concentrates the blood—less water means proteins appear higher, so the TP increases. Normal hydration keeps TP in the typical reference range. Therefore, the condition that lowers TP by diluting the blood is overhydration.