A nurse is caring for a school-age child in the pediatric unit.

Exhibits

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

• Nephrotic Syndrome: The child presents with periorbital and abdominal edema, foamy dark-colored urine, significant proteinuria (24 mg/dL), hypoalbuminemia (1.4 g/dL), and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol 465 mg/dL), all of which are classic indicators of nephrotic syndrome. The elevated ESR and low sodium further support an inflammatory renal process with fluid retention.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: CKD is a long-term progressive decline in kidney function. This child shows acute findings with severe proteinuria and low albumin, consistent with nephrotic syndrome, not CKD.
• Acute Glomerulonephritis: Usually presents with hematuria (cola-colored urine), hypertension, and mild proteinuria. This client has severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, which are more typical of nephrotic syndrome.
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Commonly follows a gastrointestinal illness and includes anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. This child’s platelets are elevated, not low, and there's no history of diarrheal illness, making HUS unlikely.
• Encourage a low sodium diet: Sodium restriction helps manage fluid retention and edema which are key concerns in nephrotic syndrome. It also prevents worsening of ascites and periorbital swelling.
• Administer oral corticosteroids: This is the first-line treatment for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, especially in children. Corticosteroids reduce glomerular permeability, limiting protein loss in the urine and promoting remission.
• Initiate peritoneal dialysis: Dialysis is only indicated in severe renal failure, which this child does not have. There’s no indication of uremia or electrolyte crisis, so dialysis is not appropriate at this stage.

• Intake and output: Essential for assessing fluid balance. Children with nephrotic syndrome may retain fluid or have decreased urine output, making I&O a crucial measure.
• Daily weight: This is the most accurate way to track fluid retention or loss. Daily weight is important for evaluating response to treatment, especially as edema resolves.

• Head circumference: This is monitored in infants and toddlers, especially to assess for hydrocephalus or growth delays. It is not relevant for a school-age child with kidney issues.

• HbA1C: A measure of long-term blood glucose control, used for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Has no relevance in the diagnosis or management of nephrotic syndrome.
• Urine specific gravity: While useful in initial diagnosis (and already elevated), it is not the best indicator of ongoing progress. Daily weight and I&O are more practical and reliable for assessing edema and treatment response.