Which term denotes reduced plasma protein levels?

• A. Nephroptosis
• B. Hypoproteinemia
• C. Nephritis
• D. Hydronephrosis

Answer: (B)

Low levels of proteins in the blood plasma are described by the term hypoproteinemia. Plasma proteins, especially albumin, help maintain oncotic pressure in the vessels; when their levels drop, it reflects reduced circulating protein—often due to malnutrition, liver disease, or urinary loss in conditions like nephrotic syndrome. The other terms are about kidney structure or disease, not about protein levels: nephroptosis is downward displacement of the kidney, nephritis is inflammation of the kidney, and hydronephrosis is dilation of the kidney’s collecting system from impaired urine flow. So the best answer for reduced plasma protein levels is hypoproteinemia.