Clarification on CRS Score and IELTS Expiry for OINP Assessment Phase

[qazaal]

I am currently in the Assessment phase of my OINP application under the Health category with a CRS score of 415. My IELTS results, which were valid at the time of application submission, will expire shortly. I have retaken the IELTS and received new results, but updating these scores in my Express Entry profile will lower my CRS to 409.
My questions are:

1. Should I update my Express Entry profile with the new IELTS scores to keep the profile active, even though it lowers my CRS?
2. Will the score change affect the ongoing OINP assessment, or does the CRS score "lock" at the time of submission?
3. If my Express Entry profile expires before nomination, will this impact my eligibility for OINP?

I appreciate any advice or experiences from others in a similar situation.
Thank you for your time and assistance!