Which is an example of relative hyperproteinemia?

• A. Absolute: monoclonal gammopathy
• B. Relative: dehydration
• C. Hyperglobulinemia
• D. Hypoproteinemia

Answer: (B)

Relative hyperproteinemia occurs when the amount of protein in the plasma doesn’t increase, but the plasma volume decreases, making the protein concentration appear higher. Dehydration is the classic cause because fluid loss reduces circulating plasma volume while the total protein mass stays the same. When you rehydrate, the concentration falls back toward normal, since the plasma volume is restored.

In contrast, absolute hyperproteinemia means there is more protein mass present—actual production or accumulation of protein increases the total amount, independent of volume. Examples include monoclonal gammopathy or general hyperglobulinemia, where there is an increase in specific proteins. Hypoproteinemia is simply low protein, not high.

So dehydration fits as an example of relative hyperproteinemia because it raises concentration by reducing plasma volume, not by increasing protein production.